In this digital age, more and more people are making purchases online. This is great for consumers because it means that they have a wider range of choices when it comes to products and services. With just a couple of clicks, you can get food, clothes, video games, and anything else delivered to your door.
This trend is also great for businesses because it allows them to reach a larger audience. However, with this increased convenience also comes an increased risk of fraud and identity theft. That’s why everyone needs to know some basic online payment security tips…many of which we’re going to cover in this article.
Only Buy from Legitimate Sources
First and foremost, you should only buy from legitimate sources. That means companies that have a good reputation and that you can trust. If you’re not sure about a company, do some research online or ask around to see if anyone has heard of them. If in any doubt whatsoever, don’t make the purchase.
Implement Payment Gateway
A platform known as a payment gateway enables businesses to collect payments from customers. It enables businesses to do transactions online, reducing both transaction costs and time. It offers a safe connection between the company and the payment services, enabling quick and simple transaction processing. It aids in payment processing, fraud prevention, and customer satisfaction. Businesses can safely transfer funds to their customer through payment options, and banks can securely receive transaction data. The payment gateway, which encrypts the data before delivering it, safely transmits client information provided by the customer to the merchant and the payment system. Electronic payments result from online purchasing and internet use. The procedures are clear and straightforward. But there are substantial risks involved. You can secure your business against online fraud and boost customer confidence by employing Acuitytec risk management.
Check for SSL Certificates
When you’re on a website where you’re about to make a purchase, take a look at the URL in the address bar. If it starts with “HTTPS” instead of just “HTTP,” that means the site has a secure connection. That’s important because it means any information you enter on the site (including your credit card number) is encrypted and less likely to be intercepted by someone who shouldn’t have it.
HTTPS is short for “Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure.” It’s the same thing as regular ol’ Hypertext Transfer Protocol (the stuff that makes the internet work), with the addition of security. When you connect to a website using SSL, your computer contacts the website’s server and asks it for its SSL certificate.
Another way to check for an SSL certificate is to look for a lock icon in your browser’s address bar; the padlock means the connection between you and the site is secure.
Check the Terminal
If you’re buying something over the phone and reading out your details, be sure to check the terminal that the business is using. For example, an EFTPOS POS machine is one of the most reliable and secure systems around. When businesses use these machines for manual transactions, you can be sure that your details are safe.
Install Antivirus and Internet Security Tools
In recent years, people seem to have thrown internet security tools by the wayside even though the risk of problems is higher. With this, it’s important to install an antivirus program and internet security tools on your computer. These programs will help to protect your personal information and keep your computer safe from malicious software. If a problem arises, you’ll be able to quickly identify it and take steps to fix it.
Keep Your Software Updated
Though they may seem annoying when all you want to do is start shopping, those software update notifications are important. By keeping your software up to date, you close security holes that hackers can exploit. Outdated software is one of the most common ways that people’s computers become compromised, so don’t ignore those update notifications.
Use a Secure Connection
When you’re entering your payment information, be sure that your device is using a secure connection. For instance, it’s better to use your own WiFi rather than public WiFi when making a purchase. Public WiFi is less secure because it’s easier for someone to intercept the data that you’re sending.
When buying anything online, it’s best to exercise caution. If you’re not sure, walk away and look for a more secure website.