Most of us like the convenience of shopping online. In 2020, over two billion people made digital purchases. Online retail grows higher each year but growth was particularly robust during the pandemic year.
Rising e-retail sales incur, however, more opportunities for cyber criminals. According to the National Cybersecurity Alliance, here are some things you can do to stay safe online:
Check the validity of the website. Cybercriminals will sometimes create a website that looks similar to an authentic site. Look for an SSL (secure socket layer) encryption. The URL will start with https rather than just http.
Use a secure WI-FI rather than a public one when ordering online.
Create strong passwords.
For more information about digital safety, look for these guides at the Rockwall County Library.
Gupta, C.P. Cybersecurity: A Self-Teaching Introduction.
Palfrey, John. The Connected Parent: An Expert Guide.
Schilling, Dan. The Power of Awareness.
Steinberg, Joseph. Cybersecurity for Dummies.
Steinberg, Stacey. Growing Up Shared.
Resources:
https://www.statista.com/topics/871/online-shopping/
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/14-tips-for-safe-online-shopping