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The safest ways to pay online

Christmas is approaching, and for most, this means we're in the thick of the online shopping season. Let's face it - online is so popular. You don't have to run the gauntlet of the high street, and you can track down those unique gifts that make it look like you really made an effort.

So, we thought we'd take the opportunity to refresh your memory when it comes to staying safe while online shopping. Falling foul of dodgy websites and unsecure networks can really put a dampener on the festive cheer.

You might know this already, but, at what could be the busiest time of the year, a little reminder can go a long way.

 

  • Look for the padlock

    When making a purchase online, ensure the retailer is reputable and has a padlock symbol and 'https://' in the address bar when entering your payment details. The padlock means that your connection is secure, but does not confirm that the website is genuine so make sure it's a website you trust.

    If you see a red warning triangle in the URL bar, the website might be dangerous as your confidential information is not protected, and it's time to go browsing elsewhere. Always stay on the safe side when it comes to security.

    When making a purchase online, ensure the retailer is reputable and has a padlock symbol and 'https://' in the address bar when entering your payment details. The padlock means that your connection is secure, but does not confirm that the website is genuine so make sure it's a website you trust.

    If you see a red warning triangle in the URL bar, the website might be dangerous as your confidential information is not protected, and it's time to go browsing elsewhere. Always stay on the safe side when it comes to security.

  • No coffee shop shopping

    Like to browse online whilst sipping a seasonal cinnamon latte? You can look - but don't buy. Public Wi-Fi networks are perfect for cyber criminals to intercept your connection or create fake networks, meaning they could access your personal data or financial information.

    They create legitimate-sounding networks with names like 'Coffee_Shop_Wi_Fi' and unsuspecting shoppers end up getting caught out. Fill up your basket to your heart's content, but wait until you're home to click 'order'.

    Like to browse online whilst sipping a seasonal cinnamon latte? You can look - but don't buy. Public Wi-Fi networks are perfect for cyber criminals to intercept your connection or create fake networks, meaning they could access your personal data or financial information.

    They create legitimate-sounding networks with names like 'Coffee_Shop_Wi_Fi' and unsuspecting shoppers end up getting caught out. Fill up your basket to your heart's content, but wait until you're home to click 'order'.

  • Read those T's & C's (sorry)

    It's a classic. We've been ignoring terms and conditions since way before the age of online shopping, with 73% of people admitting to never reading a single T nor C. However, now more than ever it's important to pay attention.

    In the age of sharing data at the tap of a finger, we have to (unfortunately) take responsibility to what we're digitally signing up for. If there's anything that sounds dodgy, stay away. Fraudulent websites might not even have terms and conditions or a privacy policy, which is a major sign your card details aren't in safe hands.

    It's a classic. We've been ignoring terms and conditions since way before the age of online shopping, with 73% of people admitting to never reading a single T nor C. However, now more than ever it's important to pay attention.

    In the age of sharing data at the tap of a finger, we have to (unfortunately) take responsibility to what we're digitally signing up for. If there's anything that sounds dodgy, stay away. Fraudulent websites might not even have terms and conditions or a privacy policy, which is a major sign your card details aren't in safe hands.

  • Don't enter your PIN please

    There's no reason why a reputable site would need to ask you for your PIN online - not even your bank. They don't need it, and you should never give up any information that's not needed to make a payment. So never enter it online. Simple.

    There's no reason why a reputable site would need to ask you for your PIN online - not even your bank. They don't need it, and you should never give up any information that's not needed to make a payment. So never enter it online. Simple.

  • Update. Update. Update.

    Cyber-criminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit weaknesses in software. That's why it's essential to have the most up to date versions. Whether it's anti-virus, firewall or your operating system, update these whenever you get those notifications, and keep your software one step ahead of the bad guys. You might not notice much change to your functionality, but it's the behind-the-scenes security upgrades that are important. Gift yourself some anti-virus software this Christmas season (don't wait for Christmas Day).

    Cyber-criminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit weaknesses in software. That's why it's essential to have the most up to date versions. Whether it's anti-virus, firewall or your operating system, update these whenever you get those notifications, and keep your software one step ahead of the bad guys. You might not notice much change to your functionality, but it's the behind-the-scenes security upgrades that are important. Gift yourself some anti-virus software this Christmas season (don't wait for Christmas Day).