We spend a lot of our time online. I can attest to that. The numerous emails that pour into my mailbox like a waterfall every day can often times be overwhelming. Other than email and work, I go social online as well through Facebook, Twitter and the other social networks or the occasional purchase online. Shopping online is easy and convenient and can be done anytime and anywhere. But there are some safety precautions you have to take when transacting online.
Norton by Symantec and comGateway share very useful tips on playing it safe on the internet. comGateway is a one-stop digital shopping concierge at over 1,000,000 US online stores that offers international shipping from the U.S, providing shoppers a tax-free U.S. address to store and repack packages before shipping.
Be cautious on public Wi-Fi networks: Hotspots can be virtual playgrounds for cybercriminals. Use a personal VPN or wait until you are on a protected network before purchasing anything online or logging on to your bank website.
Spam mail may have hidden threats: Some spam mail caries viruses and other malicious threats that can harm your computer. Be careful when you receive emails from unknown recipients or that seem to be too generous to be true. They are usually too good to be true, anyway. And be careful with revealing personal information, passwords, credit card details and bank credentials. You can sometimes check the web address to see if they are legitimate.
Mobile devices are not spared: Online threats also affect mobile devices. You may get unwanted aggressive advertising “Madware” or Mobile Adware. You can keep your smartphones, tablets, laptops and home computers protected with security solutions such as Norton 360 Multi-Device.
Don’t overshare online: Be careful with sharing too much information such as your vacation plans on a social networking profile or other online venue. Understand the privacy protection options available as well.
Beware of unknown links: Beware of click-jackers. You do not want to be redirected to a website of bogus offers. Before you click an unfamiliar link, run the free Norton Safe Web for Facebook
Create Complex Passwords: When choosing a password for your online access, use different usernames and passwords for each account so if one is compromised, your other accounts would not fall into the same fate.
Choose your Apps on Social Networks carefully: Apps are made differently for social networks but all get some level of access to your private information. Always read the agreement before you click “accept”.
Online Shopping 101
