Best Practices for Shopping Online
Introduction
Online shopping is convenient and efficient, but it also requires vigilance. Taking proactive steps to protect your personal and financial information can significantly reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. Consider the following best practices when making purchases online.
Use Trusted Devices, Reputable Websites & Secure Connections
Use Trusted Devices
- Shop only on devices you own and trust, such as your personal computer, tablet, or mobile phone
- Avoid using public or shared computers, which may contain malicious software
Use Reputable Websites & Secure Connections
- Shop at well-known, reputable, and established retailers
- Look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar before entering sensitive information
- Ensure the website URL begins with https://, which indicates a secure, encrypted connection
Limit Personal Information and Use strong passphrases and enable MFA
Limit Personal Information
- Be cautious if a website asks for sensitive data such as your Social Security number or full date of birth
- Use trusted payment services like Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Amazon Checkout when possible
- Avoid using debit cards for online purchases; credit cards provide stronger fraud protection
Use strong passphrases and enable MFA
- Use a unique passphrase (a sentence with 16 or more characters) that is easy to remember and hard for thieves to guess
- Do not reuse passphrases across multiple accounts, especially your email’s passphrase.
- Consider using a password manager, such as Bitwarden or Apple Passwords, to securely create and store credentials
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever available to add an additional layer of security
Keep Your System Secure and Avoid Unsecured Wi-Fi
Keep Your System Secure
- Keep your operating system, browser, and security software up to date
- Maintain an up-to-date anti-malware solution on any device used for online shopping
Avoid Unsecured Wi-Fi
- Avoid connecting to public wi-fi that does not require a passcode
- Unsecured wi-fi increases the risk of your data being intercepted or stolen
- Consider using a reputable VPN service to protect your connection
Be Aware of Your Surroundings and Stay Safe
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
- When shopping online while in public, be aware of your surroundings
- Protect your screen and credit card from shoulder-surfing (people looking over your shoulder)
Be vigilant, Stay Safe.
- Online shopping security comes down to awareness and good habits.
- Using trusted devices, secure connections, and strong authentication can significantly reduce your risk and help keep your information safe.
Modified on April 15, 2026