According to data from the United Nations, cybercrime has already risen 600% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, to help users stay safe online Google conducted a study to study the vulnerabilities in the online shopping experience. Based on the findings, the company has shared a few tips that will help you stay safe while shopping online.
Create a unique password for each account
Users should create a unique password for each account to minimise the risk. Make sure that each password is hard to guess and better yet, at least eight characters long.
Use a password manager
Users should use a password manager to create and use strong and unique passwords on all your devices, without the need to remember or repeat each one. Using a password manager makes signing in convenient, especially on small mobile screens – instead of entering in a password each time, you can just press a button.
Set up a security phone number or email address
One should set up a security phone number or email address and keep it updated so banks and other service providers can contact you right away if there’s suspicious activity on the account.
Set up 2-Step Verification (2SV)
Users should set up 2-Step Verification (2SV) on every site that offers it. This dramatically increases security by requiring “something you know” (like a password) and “something you have” (like your phone or a security key).
“Add to Cart” with care
Users should always double-check before buying anything from a page without the secure symbol. Buyers often make purchases on pages without the secure symbol, increasing the opportunity for fraudsters to steal details.