Protect Yourself While Shopping

In 2017, 79% of U.S. consumers shopped on the web or their phones as opposed to in brick-and-mortar stores. With Cyber Monday alone bringing in more than $6.6 billion dollars this year, it appears that shopping online is the prevailing method for consumption. However, while the advent of apps and easy-to-use mobile sites have made it simple to complete your purchase, it has also created new opportunities for theft and fraud. Whether you’re a consumer or a business owner, there are still a few keys to amping up security while enjoying the convenience and experience of online shopping.

Consumer Security

Fraud and theft attempts increased by 31 percent in 2016, siphoning $16B from consumers – $1B more than the prior year. Nonetheless, the average person will spend nearly $1,000 just during the holiday shopping season, exposing their sensitive data on multiple sites. However much you choose to spend, it’s still important to protect your hard earned cash.

No matter the reason for shopping online, it’s important to research before you click. Phishing attempts are more prevalent during heavy shopping seasons, bombarding consumers with random emails, ads, and messages. Before you start clicking on links promising lower prices, look for signs of a scam. Something as simple as an email message beginning with the phrase “Dear Customer” could indicate that you’re dealing with an illegitimate company. By clicking on links from unknown senders, you compromise your own security and bank account.

Verifying the security of the site you’re using is crucial to protect yourself and your budget. It’s easier than you may think. Most trustworthy sites will have a URL that begins with “https” and a closed lock symbol next to it in the address bar. If you’re unsure whether the site is secure, look for a security certificate. Or, implement an anti-phishing toolbar. They’re easy to install and will scan sites you use for malicious threats. If an issue arises, you’re immediately alerted, reducing the chance of theft.

If any red flags come up during your shopping experience, trust your gut and do not enter your credit card or bank information. Supplying personal information to an unsecure site is a recipe for disaster. You could give cybercriminals the ammunition they need to drain your accounts or steal your identity.

Business and Site Security

It’s especially critical that e-commerce site and business owners provide a secure platform for their consumers.

Creating a secure site involves using the right products behind the scenes. CDNetworks’ security tools and apps are specifically designed to provide protection for you, the business owner, and any consumers visiting your site. Our multi-layered WAF protection filters only accept traffic from credible sources, which you can define, thereby cutting down on the threats you experience. Reducing the risk of hacks and malware creates a safer environment for your consumers to shop. Plus, with our DDoS protection, you can prevent attacks from occurring before they happen, keeping your site up during transactions.

Protecting your site from threats is just part of your responsibility as a business owner. Once consumers find the perfect product, they trust you to guard their personal and financial information carefully. Without a secure payment portal, bank accounts will be compromised, damaging your reputation as a secure site. By working closely with CDNetworks, you can find a product that best suits your site’s traffic while offering the needed payment protection your customers deserve.

Improving online shopping security is a two-fold process. Consumers need to be more aware of the sites they visit, and business owners need to enhance their online security to prevent site outages and protect sensitive information. By partnering with CDNetworks, you can provide a safe and secure shopping environment for your customers while protecting yourself from external threats.