With the click of a button, you can now have everything from groceries to clothes delivered to your door. Unfortunately, this convenience is not always secure, as hackers can easily steal your personal information. Fortunately, there are several simple steps that you can take to protect yourself.
Getting a new credit card is only one step to a financially successful life. You need to research the best type of card for your situation and determine how to get a good interest rate. What is a good credit card APR? The lower your APR, the less money you will spend on interest while paying off your credit card balances. According to the experts at SoFi, “When it comes to picking a new credit card, there’s one detail you should not overlook: the card’s annual percentage rate, or APR.”
Once you have a credit card with a good APR, you need to take steps to protect your account from getting stolen when using it online. Below are some tips for securing your card information.
1. Limit Online Shopping to One Card
One credit card is all you need to protect yourself from unauthorized purchases. This will allow you to keep track of all of your purchases and keep yourself from getting exposed to multiple accounts. Some banks even provide special cards for online transactions. Also, set up an email or text message alert system to notify you whenever a purchase is made.
2. Use Virtual Account Numbers
If your credit card company provides a virtual-number service, make sure to utilize it before you make a purchase. This feature stores your card information in a one-time number that you can use for every transaction. If hackers obtain this information later, they will not be able to use it to track you or steal your information.
3. Create Strong Passwords
Your online banking and credit card account passwords should be unique and complex to keep them from being accessed by hackers. A long and complex password is ideal to prevent unauthorized access. Try using a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers. Don’t forget to use memorable words and phrases to create strong passwords. Also, don’t write them down anywhere.
4. Visit Secure Websites
Make sure that the website you are visiting is secure by displaying the lock symbol in your browser’s address bar. This is a good way to prevent unauthorized access to your accounts. However, it is not 100% secure since cybercriminals can still obtain security certificates.
Before you start shopping online, make sure that you are familiar with the retailers that you are looking to purchase with. Take a look at their design and make sure that it looks professional. There are plenty of reputable websites to shop with.
5. Use Security Software
One of the best ways to protect yourself from online threats is by using security software that can protect both your desktop and mobile device. These can be antivirus or internet security software.
These tips may seem simple, but they can help lower your risk when it comes to shopping online. Having the necessary tools and resources can help you avoid getting exposed to unauthorized transactions.
