You can buy groceries, plan ahead for gifts, and find life insurance for seniors while perusing the cyber aisles. But as we’ve seen on the news as of late, digital buying does have one big drawback: security. With a few tips and tricks for internet safety, though, you can fill up your virtual cart safely.
Practice Password Safety
One of the best ways to ensure your information stays private no matter what website you are shopping on is to practice password safety. Follow these tips to do just that.
Create strong passwords. The more difficult you make the password, the less likely it is to be guessed. You can do that by choosing a word that is very personal to you, adding symbols such as @#%*, using a mix of upper and lowercase letters, and sprinkling in a few numbers. Using a password that is a sentence or phrase is even better.
Vary and change your passwords. Try not to use the same password across different platforms. If one account is compromised, you won’t have to worry about every other account being vulnerable. Experts recommend updating passwords every three months. You’ll be even safer if you change all your passwords every 90 days.
Keep your passwords organized offline. There are many online password vaults you can pay to save your passwords in, but to keep it completely secure from online hacks, go offline. Organize them in a book alphabetically by website and type for easy future access. Store it in safe place to be sure.
Choose Your Payment Method Wisely
Why take the chance of exposing every single one of your cards to fraud by using them all for your online shopping? Consider, instead, just picking one – and make it a credit card. This way, if fraud does occur, you are only out a single account instead of multiple. Plus, unlike some debit cards, credit cards typically have fraud coverage that doesn’t leave you responsible for the loss.
Consider the Computer You’re Using to Shop
When it comes to the computer you are using to do your online shopping, there are two important factors to consider.
Keep Your Computer Up to Date
The more your computer is equipped to handle potential intrusions, the less exposure you have to hacking attempts. You can keep your computer safer by ensuring your operating system is always up to date and your antivirus software is active.
Do Not Shop on a Public Computer
On some websites, there are safety protocols in place for ensuring it is actually you who is logging in. Sometimes the website will send a code through text as part of the login process, for example. But the best way to avoid others logging in as you is to only log in on a computer you trust. No public computers and only family and friend’s who you know practice computer safety.
Know the Signs of a Safe Website
Not every website is created equal and neither is their security. Only shop on sites you know are safe, using these quick safety tips:
- Click in the URL bar and make sure the website begins with https, as the ‘s’ stands for secure. Test it now with Americo Senior Life!
- Check the website’s privacy policy before you pay to ensure they won’t sell or share your information.
- Read through the site’s return policy to be sure they have a clear process.
- Pay attention to how the website looks. While not every secure website is well designed, a shoddy looking website may not have invested in higher security measures.
- Stick to well-known retailers or businesses you’ve frequented before.
Monitor Your Bank Accounts and Credit Reports
It’s always good practice to monitor the charges to your accounts but it will become much more important once you begin sharing your account information online. Banks can’t catch every suspicious charge, even those made in other states, especially if you don’t often inform them when you’re leaving town. Also keep an eye on your credit report, ensuring no credit cards or loans have been taken out in your name.
Use a Throw-Away Email
Whenever you check out online, you will be asked to provide your email, even if you don’t create a login account. Businesses will then begin sending you all sorts of emails for savings, coupons, or specials. This can make future purchases more affordable but it can also be a big pain. It’s worth signing up for a free email account to use specifically for these situations, so the influx doesn’t flood your usual email.
Shop for the Right Senior Life Insurance with Americo
While you’re perusing the virtual aisles, stop on by the Americo Senior Life section to find some of the best life insurance for seniors. After answering a quick medical questionnaire, our affordable life insurance may not require a medical exam and the application process is easy and hassle-free. Your rate is locked in for life – which is exactly what makes Americo Senior Life among the best life insurance companies for seniors. Get an online quote today in just minutes!