Yes, you read that right... If you thought shopping online at home during the pandemic was just as safe without a pandemic, you may want to think about the trap you might be falling into. Personally, I don't do as much online shopping right now just because I don't need that much and I have more time to go to the grocery store now than I did before Covid-19 happened. It had the opposite effect on me which is probably weird for most people to imagine. LOL

Hopefully, you didn't fall victim to online shopping fraud while being quarantined at home! Get that security going!

From Yahoo:

It’s another Saturday afternoon during the global pandemic, and you’re back on Amazon, filling your cart with household items and groceries. You haven’t been able to make your typical Target and Walmart runs lately, so you’re stocking up virtually instead.

Online shopping: everyone does it so it’s pretty harmless, right? Well, not always. Fraud is a possibility any time you shop online,according to Experian. And during a worldwide pandemic or even the holiday season, you’re especially vulnerable to hackers, phishers, and identity thieves. Covid-related fraud has already robbed a cumulative $13.4 million from unsuspecting Americans, according tothe Federal Trade Commission.

That’s because so many people are shopping online at once, and are distracted from their normal routines, says cyber security expert andCyberScout founder Adam Levin. “People are trying to juggle working from home, homeschooling, applying for unemployment, looking for their stimulus checks” in addition to all that late-night shopping, he told Yahoo Life. “You have enormous vulnerability. Scammers now know that they can use all of these different avenues.”

But here’s the thing: you can and should shop safely online without fear of getting your identity or any of your sensitive information stolen. It’s actually pretty easy to protect yourself. It’s all about investing in the right cyber security tools. Here are five essential tools for anyone who shops online.

1. Strong Security Software

2. A VPN

3. A Password Manager

4. A Pop Up Ad Blocker

5. A Mobile Security App

My husband and I have LassPass on all of our stuff, especially our phones! I'll be honest, at first I despised it. But now I understand why and have the patience for it and it's nice to have a peace of mind! I highly suggest LassPass and Authenticator for security! Goodluck shopping online SAFELY!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE!

Hannah Mac

About Hannah Mac