Guest Column | November 11, 2019

Cyber Security And Online Purchasing

By Ray Parker

Security

Online purchasing has become a popular trend. All it takes is a few clicks and anything you order is delivered right to your doorstep. With undeniable advantages such as ease and convenience, online purchasing has a dark side to it as well. With the increase in cybercrimes, it is now getting riskier than ever to conduct online transactions. This is why cyber security is so important in the online market. Hiring a well-reputed cyber security testing company can help you strengthen your security system by detecting vulnerabilities.

Common Cyber Security Threats

  • Hack Attacks: Unpatched software holes are trespassing points even for amateur hackers who can break in using online information on techniques, malware, and tools that can be used. Your personal information (name, credit card number, address, contact details, etc.) is up for grasp when you make an online transaction.
  • Phishing Scams: These are the most common of the scams. Phishing is easy to execute. With minimal effort, a cybercriminal can make a page that resembles a genuine site and trap unsuspecting buyers in entering personal and bank details.
  • Ransomware Attacks: Through ransomware attacks, online purchasers can be tricked into clicking on the pop-up advertisements or phishing emails that contain malicious attachments that will either lock the screen or encrypt files on the system’s hard drive. Hackers then demand payment for the restriction to be removed.

Role of a Cyber Security Testing Company in Tackling These Issues

A cyber security testing company should be able to protect the use of cyberspace from cyber-attacks. Professionals working in this field are highly skilled and possess the foundational education, knowledge, and thought leadership required to address potential issues arising from constant technological advancements. It is the role of cyber security experts to ensure that channels and servers built for data storage and transfer remain protected. Cyber security professionals work to render all points of vulnerability in a network inaccessible to the prying eyes of cyber terrorists and hackers. The end-user in most cases does not have the relevant information necessary to stay safe online. A cybercriminal can target end users on their mobile devices and home networks, and this can bring the infection inside the specific site that was being used for shopping. A simple action such as clicking on a pop-up ad can open the virtual gate to attackers. This is through no fault of their own, and the main factor that can be blamed in this case is the lack of awareness.

Ways to Keep Your Information Safe

  • Only use trusted websites and apps
  • Make sure the website is encrypted
  • Don’t purchase on public Wi-Fi networks
  • Monitor your statements online

Author Bio:

Ray Parker is a Senior Marketing Consultant with a knack for writing the latest news in tech, quality assurance, software development and testing. With a decade of experience working in the tech industry, Ray now dabbles out of his New York office.