2024 Guide to Safe Online Shopping
/ 2 min read
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, the 2024 Guide to Safe Online Shopping offers timely advice on protecting personal information while shopping online. The guide emphasizes the use of payment-masking services, alias email addresses, and strong account security to mitigate risks associated with data breaches and scams. It also highlights the benefits of using cash for in-person purchases to maintain privacy and control over spending.
- Data Breaches: The rise in data breaches makes using credit cards online risky; payment-masking services like Privacy.com and Revolut are recommended.
- Alias Emails: Services like Addy.io and SimpleLogin help protect your real email address and reduce spam.
- Account Security: Strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) are essential for securing online accounts.
The guide explains that payment-masking services act like banks, requiring some personal information, but they offer enhanced security by shielding real card details. Alias email addresses provide privacy by forwarding emails to your inbox while hiding your real address, making it harder for credential stuffing attacks. Additionally, using cash for in-person shopping can help avoid debt and maintain privacy.
Despite these strategies, challenges remain, such as the potential discomfort with sharing personal information with payment-masking services and the ongoing threat of sophisticated phishing scams. The guide advises vigilance and careful consideration of the legitimacy of websites and emails to avoid falling victim to scams.
Bottom line: The guide underscores that safe online shopping practices are not just for the holiday season but are beneficial year-round. By adopting these strategies, consumers can protect their personal information and enjoy a more secure online shopping experience. For more detailed advice and resources, visit The New Oil.
