How to shop securely in 2021

If you find you’re making more purchases online than you ever have before, you aren’t alone. Though there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for combatting COVID-19 and returning to more normal living, one thing that’s not expected to change is how much shopping we do online. Keep yourself — and your information — safe in 2021 by following these tips when you shop online.

1. Use Trusted Websites

Everyone loves to feel like they’ve found a great deal. Don’t sacrifice using a reputable and trustworthy site just to get in at a better price. Some websites cannot be trusted, and are just offering a lower price point to try and get important personal information. While some websites offering low prices might not have malicious intentions, they may have cut corners in website creation or security, creating vulnerable weak spots.

Whenever you use a website, make sure there’s a padlock icon in the URL bar, or that the URL itself begins with an https. Both of these indicate the website is secure. Always read reviews carefully and remember — if it sounds too good to be true, there’s a good chance it is.

2. Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network can be installed on individual devices as well as your home network. Securing your traffic with a VPN encrypts any data that passes through your device and creates a safe and secure connection for you to use the internet safely. A VPN can also be used to mask your location and avoid any existing firewalls. For those who travel or find themselves needing to use networks regularly that they don’t own, a VPN can be a great way to add an extra layer of security.

3. Use Strong Passwords

Passwords are a huge piece of the puzzle when it comes to keeping your information safe. Never use important names or dates and always opt for a password that contains a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Though it may be easier to remember your password if you reuse the same one at multiple sites, it can be a real problem if one of those companies becomes compromised.

Create a unique password for each account you hold, never share your password or account information, and don’t store your passwords in a single location. If you need help remembering passwords, you may want to consider using a password manager.

4. Stick With Trusted Networks

Plan to use only known and password-protected wi-fi networks when making your purchases. While using public Wi-Fi is convenient, it’s not always safe. Remember that any compromised device you bring onto your home network can further the security breach, compromising all devices that use the network.

5. Set Up Alerts

Even the diligent can find they’ve been victimized. Setting up alerts for accounts linked to cards you use online can help you know immediately if an unauthorized purchase has been made. Make it a habit to check in on your statement often, as well, as many thieves make a series of small purchases to see if anyone notices the activity. A quick response to a compromised account can save you time, aggravation, and money.

Shopping Safely Online in 2021

There’s no need to give up the convenience that shopping from the comfort of your own home brings. Implement the safety protocols given here and you can go on enjoying your shopping routines without risking your personal information.