Independence Day is just around the corner and most of the shopping portals are flooded with special deals and discounts. We eagerly wait for such occasions to save your valuable money. At the same time, cybercriminals also wait for this day to search for every opportunity to siphon off fist-full of money from your pocket. eScan warns its readers to stay safe on this occasion and take necessary actions to experience safe surfing and shopping.
- Make your system secure: Make sure the software installed in your system including Web browsers is up to date. In addition, make use of anti-virus software (eScan), which will protect your system from all kinds of malware attacks.
- Restrain from using public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public computers or Wi-Fi for doing payments for online shopping and disclosing your personal information.
- Check the authenticity of the seller and the product: Make use of search engines to know about the product by thoroughly checking the authenticity of the deal. In addition, read the reviews before jumping to any conclusion.
- Look out for https website only: Many shopping websites use SSL to encrypt information and a padlock icon. Proceed with online shopping only if you see https connection.
- Avoid any kind of pop-ups: Cyber criminals make use of pop-ups to offer fake coupons, discounts, special offers and deceptive products. In addition, they re-direct the victim’s current browser page to a compromised website.
- Beware of suspicious links in Social Media: Cyber crooks are making extensive use of social media to post alluring deals by making use of fake or compromised Facebook accounts. It is strictly recommended to avoid clicking/ posting/ sharing such links.
- Avoid any new app: With the rapid rise of mobile e-commerce apps, the users need to be extremely cautious while installing any new app. eScan has a wide range of products for Mobile Security for both Android and iOS which warns you of any fake app.
- Never disclose extra personal information: Apply brakes on websites, which ask you to enter sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, password security questions etc.
- Maintain records: It is always advisable to print or save the records of goods purchased online until you receive it. This will be handy when you didn’t receive the item or if the good is damaged or needs to be returned or exchanged. Also, watch out for text messages which confirm your product delivery and then ask you for some personal information.
- Deceptive emails with Independence Day discounts: Restrain from clicking on links having attachments of Independence Day discounts. These are nothing but phishing scams which lure the victims to disclose his/her personal information.
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