The pandemic accelerated our use of technology. In lockdown, we used technology to socialise, shop and work.
The internet is an integral part of our daily lives, and it is particularly apparent in our shopping behaviour.
The British supermarket chain, Waitrose, found that a whopping 77% of people now do their grocery shopping online – compared to just 61% before the pandemic.
Online shopping is often more convenient for people who can’t get to the supermarket due to work, illness or other commitments.
You can find everything you need online, select your time slot and have your groceries delivered right to your door. What’s not to like?
The surge in online shopping has had a profound impact on the UK’s high streets.
Stores have permanently closed their doors, and many lots are left derelict.
As we spend more time online, we need to practise cyber safety. Here is a quick guide on how to shop safely on the internet.
Don’t use public networks
Public WiFi networks increase your chances of being hacked. You should only send sensitive data through encrypted channels.
Try to stick to private networks, like your own WiFi at home or password-protected networks.
Use a prepaid card
Prepaid cards can help you limit your spending and stick to a budget. You could use a prepaid card online to air on the safe side.
If your information gets stolen, there is only a limited amount of money on the card anyways.
Look for the padlock
When shopping online, always look for the lock in the URL bar. The lock symbol means the web page you are visiting is secured with digital certification.
Your bank details will be sent securely and cannot be intercepted by a cyber hacker.
Update your passwords
All too often, we use the same password for every account online.
You should update your passwords regularly and include a range of uppercase, lower case, symbols, and numbers in your password. Store your password on a secure system so you can remember them all.
Most laptops and phones have an integrated system already.
Check your bank statements
You should keep a close eye on your bank statements.
Look out for small payments here and there that you don’t recognize.
Suspicious activity often starts with small payments that lead up to much bigger withdrawals in the future. Report these to your bank immediately.
Read seller reviews
Always check the customer reviews online before buying something online.
This is particularly important if you are purchasing from an independent seller that is less well-known.
You need to make sure they are legitimate and use a secure system.
Shopping online is quick, easy and convenient. Practice cyber safety to keep your private information safe from any interceptions.