The ease and speed of finding what you are looking for, as well as avoiding long queues and crowds, are the main reasons that lead many people to choose buy online their Christmas presents. According to a study conducted by Opinion Way for Kaspersky Lab, more than half of Europeans will do their Christmas shopping via online stores this year. This is despite the restrictions that some of these stores impose, such as complex rules for creating passwords. However, there are still those who consider online shopping to be unsafe or too complicated.
According to Kaspersky research, online shopping preferences vary across European countries. Britons (66%), Germans (60%), Italians (51%) and Spaniards (50%) are the most inclined to make their purchases digitally. On the other hand, the French and Dutch are more reluctant, with 35% and 34% respectively.
Vicente Díaz, security analyst at Kaspersky Lab, emphasizes that "As online shopping becomes more normalized, it is essential to ensure that it is done safely.". Although passwords are essential to protect our transactions, their complexity can be an inconvenience for many users. 47% of Europeans believe that online shop regulations make it difficult to remember passwords, leading to 55% to reset them monthly and to 14% weekly.
Given this situation, Kaspersky Lab has developed a series of Practical tips to ensure safety when shopping online. From protecting your devices to making payments on encrypted websites, here is a complete guide to ensure you have a safe and secure online shopping experience.
Tips for shopping safely at Christmas
1. Keep your devices protected
Whether you make your purchases from a computer or from a mobile phone or tablet, it is essential to have a Updated security solutionProducts like Kaspersky Total Security Multi-Device can be a great option, as they provide Integral protection against malware, spyware and other cyber threats. Keep your computer up to date security software This is vital, as vulnerabilities in older versions are a favorite target for cybercriminals.
2. Beware of offers that are too good to be true
If you find a promotion that seems too attractive, be careful: it could be a scam. Before buying, Check the final price, delivery times and product quality. In addition, perform searches on the seller reputation on forums and online store review sites.
3. Beware of fake websites
Cybercriminals often clone the design of legitimate websites to trick users into giving away their personal information. Pay attention to details such as spelling mistakes, unprofessional design and the presence of the HTTPS protocol next to the lock icon in the address bar.
4. Make payments only on encrypted pages
Before entering your bank card details, check that the website has a SSL security certificateThis translates to a URL that starts with 'https' and a padlock icon in the address bar. The secure payment platforms, such as PayPal or Amazon Pay, also offer an extra layer of consumer protection.
5. Use an exclusive card for online purchases
A good practice is to use a credit card with a low limit or a prepaid card exclusively for your online purchases. This way, you will be able to minimize risks in case your banking information is compromised.
6. Protect your personal data
Provide only the information necessary to make your purchase. Always read the privacy policies of the website to ensure that your data will not be sold to third parties. Use strong and unique passwords for each account is another essential step to protect your information.
7. Be cautious with public Wi-Fi networks
Avoid making transactions while connected to public Wi-Fi networks. These are vulnerable to cyberattacks that could compromise the security of your personal or financial data. If there is no other option, consider using a secure VPN to encrypt your connection.
8. Keep receipts and familiarize yourself with return policies
Keep digital copies of your receipts, invoices and purchase confirmation emails. Also, Make sure you know the return policies from the store before making your purchases. This will allow you to make claims in case of inconsistencies or defective products.
9. Keep constant track of your banking transactions
Periodically review the movements of your bank account to detect suspicious transactionsIf you find anything unusual, contact your bank immediately to take preventive measures.
Online shopping is not only becoming more common, but it is also a convenient way to access products and offers that are often not available in physical stores. However, it is essential to adopt the necessary measures to protect our information and avoid unpleasant surprises. With these tips, we hope that your Christmas shopping will be safe, fast and satisfactory.