Shopping online is safe: Do you know how to do it right?

E-commerce has emerged as a secure and efficient way to purchase goods and services, driven by technological advancements that provide reliable tools for both consumers and merchants.
As users become more digitally literate and informed, businesses are adopting sophisticated technologies to protect transactions and ensure the secure collection of payments. Fintech company Lyra shares the following key recommendations to help enhance security in online shopping.
Tips for Digital Shoppers.
Verify the sender and the URL: Phishing remains one of the most common threats. These are fraudulent emails designed to impersonate banks, retailers, or legitimate services in order to steal personal information and passwords.
To avoid falling victim, always check the sender’s email address and ensure the URL begins with “https://” and displays a security padlock. Be wary of messages with spelling errors or unknown senders.
Banks, streaming platforms, and e-commerce providers will never request passwords or personal information via email, text messages, or phone calls. If you receive such a request, do not respond—ignore it and report the incident.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for purchases: Open networks are more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Use them only for casual browsing or messaging, and never for transactions or entering sensitive information.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a secondary code sent to your phone or email before you can access your account.
Do not reuse passwords: Use unique passwords for each platform, incorporating uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily identifiable personal data.
Keep your devices up to date: Regular updates fix security flaws and enhance protection against new vulnerabilities.
Recommendations for Businesses.
Choose a trusted payment gateway: It is essential to use certified platforms that securely process transactions and comply with international standards such as PCI DSS. These platforms should also offer robust technical and commercial support.
Implement 3D Secure 2.0 technology: This protocol provides additional authentication during payment, verifying the customer’s identity through codes, banking apps, or biometric data. It helps reduce fraud and chargebacks, while building greater trust with customers.
Use branded tokenization: This method replaces actual card data with a unique token that can only be used within your store, enabling faster and more secure repeat purchases. It also safeguards sensitive information and enhances the overall customer experience.
Building Trust and Security Online.
Display visible security indicators: Incorporating SSL certificates, security icons, and logos of trusted payment providers helps build credibility and trust from the first interaction with your users.
Keep your technology stack updated: Whether you’re using platforms like WooCommerce, Magento, Shopify, or a custom-built solution, it’s critical to regularly update all systems and plugins to improve performance and close potential security gaps.
These recommendations aim to strengthen the trust and safety of both consumers and businesses within the rapidly expanding e-commerce ecosystem.

