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Best Secure Online Payments to Use for Holiday Purchases

Monica Morris • Nov 18, 2021

The holiday season is upon us… and you want to get your shopping done as fast as you can so you can enjoy some holiday cheer. Shopping online is a great way to get your shopping done quick, however, before making a payment be sure the site you are on offers secure online payments.

Online shopping has largely replaced traditional shopping making it easier and faster to complete transactions. However, with the convenience of online shopping comes the security risk from cybercriminals and you should take precautions by using only payment methods that are safe and secure.

In this article, we will look at the best ways to securely pay online so you don’t lose your money to fraudsters.

Secure Payment Method that You can Use for Online Shopping

1. Credit Cards

Credit cards have been around for a while. They are convenient and are widely accepted means of payment on online shopping channels. They are designed to be secure and they have a uniform method of being used to pay for various websites.

Your credit card liability is limited to $50 in case there is fraudulent use of your card according to the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). Your liability reduces to zero if you report that your card is stolen before being used for fraudulent activity.

You can make your online shopping more secure by having a dedicated credit card for online purchases or request for a virtual card to protect your real credit card. With this option, you can monitor the card for suspicious or unauthorized transactions.

When you use a credit card, the money is not charged directly to your bank account. The card issuer funds the purchase on your behalf depending on your credit and you pay back later.

2. Debit Cards

Debit cards are like credit cards; they differ in the way your transactions are funded and the level of security provided by the issuer.

Debit card transactions are funded directly from your bank account. With it, you don’t have to worry about paying more than what you can afford.

Debit cards also offer zero liability when reported lost or stolen before being used. However, it requires more prompt reporting to protect you from liability. Not reporting suspicious transactions within 60 days may make you liable for all charges. Your bank may have some variation of these policies, so you should enquire about it.

You also have the option of using a prepaid debit card. Here, funds are preloaded onto the card that you can use to make payment online. Unlike normal debit cards, the charges are not funded directly from your account, and you are limited to the funds loaded onto the prepaid card.

Debit card issuers have monitoring systems to detect suspicious activities on your card. There is also an option for two-factor authentication for online purchases using your phone or email.

3. Wire Transfers

Some online retailers support wire transfer. In this case, agreed funds are transferred to an account provided by the merchant. The transaction is completed by sending the details to the merchant for confirmation.

This method is secure as only you can initiate a transfer to an authorized account for online purchases.

4. Gift Cards

Gift cards exist in electronics or physical form. They are usually given as a sincere appreciation to customers or as part of marketing discounts. Gift cards aren’t connected to your bank or even your personal details. You won’t expose any sensitive information while using gift cards to pay for services and goods online.

Popular marketplace like Amazon and Walmart offer gift cards for various purchases.

5. Mobile Payment

How about paying with your phone?

Mobile payment methods serve as a digital wallet and let you pay securely for various items online. You only need to link your credit or debit card details to the mobile application on your phone once and you can shop with them continuously after that.

These payment methods include Apple Pay, Google pay, and Samsung pay. They are highly secure options for making online payments and they also protect your card data from third parties.

When on the check out page, you can select the mobile payment option available on your phone. You will need your phone passcode or biometrics ID to complete payment using this method.

6. Other Payment Services

There are other third party payment services such as PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Visa checkout for making secure payments online.

These payment methods have their unique security features in place to help make your payments safe when shopping online.

They generally have good privacy systems that prevent your personal financial data from getting to other people’s hands. They are safer than credit cards that you carry around in your wallet.

The most popular of these platforms is PayPal which we will explore below.

PayPal
PayPal keeps payment details secret which minimize the risk of it falling into the wrongs. One of its most popular features is that it offers buyer protection in case of a fraud or non-delivery of goods. It is easy and secure to use and can be accessed via mobile app or browser.
To use PayPal, register an account and then link your debit or credit card to it

Merchants that accept PayPal have its logo on the order page and you just need to login into your account to approve a payment.

Extra Tip! Before you make a purchase online, look for the little lock sign at the top left corner of your browser. This lock sign is a symbol that represents a SSL encryption which means the website is secure. In addition to the lock, the beginning of the url with “http” should include an “S”, so the beginning of the url will look like this… “https://”

Every form of online payment has Its risks. When shopping online this holiday season it is essential that you focus on payment security even though it is easier to get carried away by shopping activities. By following the advice discussed above, you will be using the most secure payment system to protect yourself from fraud or theft.

Editor’s note: This blog post was originally posted on December 17, 2020 – a slight edit has been made to keep this content up-to-date.

The post Best Secure Online Payments to Use for Holiday Purchases appeared first on SDTEK | San Diego, CA.

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Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

05 Jan, 2024

In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.

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