At a glance, can you assess if the website is secure or not? If no, then it is time for you to acquire the right knowledge about the internet. The internet is full of information that entertains, engage, inform, and educate. However, online shopping is another digital activity that many people are now doing. More and more people are resorting to online shopping for convenience. Thus, as a responsible internet user, it is important to be able to assess the website’s security and authenticity.
Kinds Of Cyber Attacks
Phishing
Phishing is one of the most common cyber-threat and has been existing way before other cyber-attacks came in. Phishing is the kind of attack that utilise email, text messaging, and telephone calls. The scammer copies the strategies of a legit business and uses their name to send you an email, a text, or a call. Many people are drawn to this kind of attack due to the amazing deals offered or security problems presented in the message. Such strategy convinces people to give out their personal information without checking the legitimacy of the message.
Third-Party Content Injection
This kind of threat is common for those who use public Wi-Fi. If you closely observe, there is a difference between the number of pop-ups appearing when using your own Wi-Fi at home than in coffee shops, mall, and airports. This is typically caused by third-party content injection. Additionally, your browsing will be more resilient to such threats if you are accessing sites that lack SSL certificates and other online security measures. Thus, these pop-ups are typically not intended for the site you are visiting but instead, their system is being hacked due to poor cyber-attack protection. Thus, beware using a public Wi-Fi but if you do so, use a VPN.
Eavesdropping
Eavesdropping is almost similar to phishing. The attacker usually engages in stalking your online activities and eavesdrop on your connection. If they successfully penetrate your connection, they will be able to steal all your crucial information. However, the best way to deal with it is to use a VPN and be mindful with the sites you access.
Old-Fashion Fraud
Nowadays, advertising online is swarming the internet showing off deals that are unbelievable. If you are weak-hearted when it comes to online shopping, you might get easily enticed and unwittingly put your account information to buy that product. However, this kind of advertisements often come with low-res images and a $30 iPhone 12 and that alone is already a red flag.
How To Determine a Fake Website?
Check The URL
Many usually ignore the address bar when exploring the website that ironically speaking, it is the most important side of your screen that projects legitimacy or fraud. The website’s URL can show you a lot of vital signs to help you determine its authenticity. The cyber attacker may be able to mimic the whole look of the website but not the URL. Thus, pay close attention to it and look for these signs to identify it as legit:
- Padlock Icon
- HTTPS
- Certification Validity (you can do so by clicking the padlock icon)
- Green Address Bar
- (this only shows if the website is using EV cerView Trust Seals
- View Certificate Details (you can do so by clicking the certificate details after clicking the padlock icon)
- Use Google Safe Browsing Transparency
- Check Privacy Policy
Secure browning will go a long way in preventing online crimes. The presence of the internet in your daily life is permanent. Hence, practice the simple act of browsing securely online and educate yourself with adequate protocols. At the end of the day, we all want the best online shopping experience and the only way to reach that is to become aware and mindful with your browsing activities.