9 tips to ensure you are safe when shopping on the internet during the holiday season.

The holiday season is fast approaching and many will likely be using the internet to buy gifts. According to the data revealed in the past calendar year from the Adobe company the amount of approximately $ 4.45 billion has been spent on the internet in the period between Black Friday. While the majority of online stores make massive efforts to safeguard their customers' personal information, there are cybercriminals trying to steal your data. Therefore, it is crucial for you as online shoppers to be vigilant and secure your personal data in Online stores in UAE.

Keeping a watch on fake websites and offers is a great first step but cybercriminals aren't afraid to do whatever they can to disguise them as genuine bargains, which makes it more difficult.

Here are some guidelines to take, suggested from Jan Zika, Web Threat Manager at Avast to help you to be secure during your next online purchase:

Cybercriminals are sending out emails that contain "special offers". The "specials" or "offers you can't miss" could be phishing scams intended to deceive customers to redirect them to fraudulent sites for shopping that are designed to take their personal information and cash. It is crucial that customers make use of security software on their computers and pay close attention to the details when they shop online.

Install an antivirus program on all of your devices. Antivirus software, such as Avast can detect as well as block attacks from phishing as well as malware-laden websites on your PC as well as mobile devices before they cause damage.

Use a secure browser like Avast SafeZone. Its Avast SafeZone browser forms part of Avast Antivirus, is a part of Avast Antivirus solution, includes an "banking" mode which isolates the data of banks and payment websites within a secure space.

Secure your data by using Wi-Fi hotspots that are free. Connecting to a WiFi hotspot in airports, cafes, hotels, and other places allows cybercriminals to monitor you and obtain information whenever you check your bank accounts or purchase it on the internet. Avast SecureLine VPN, which is short for Virtual Private Network, encrypts your messages and stops spying on your audio and video calls.

Make use of credit cards. Credit cards not only aid in keeping track of your purchases, but more importantly they give you the opportunity to call your business if you observe any unusual purchases. The majority of businesses that issue credit cards call an establishment on your behalf to fix the issue.

Set up the dual identity (or double-step authentication) as often as you can. This double security requires you enter an additional number in lieu of your password and username each time you log into your account. The code is typically delivered to your phone or the email address linked to your account. It could also be generated using a mobile device through an app, like Google Authenticator. If you're not alone as the person who is logging into your accounts, the two-step ID can also be used as an alarm system in the event that somebody attempts to gain access to your account and is unable to enter the code.

Find a green padlock. The green padlock as well as the letters HTTPS on the right side of the website address, and in your address bar of your browser is an encryption protocol that protects your information as it's transferred across the internet. If you're at a checkout page and you don't be able to see the HTTPS padlock, don't provide your financial and personal details!

Online stores in UAE.

Upgrade your application. Check to see that all software installed on your devices is up-to-date. Cybercriminals are often able to exploit weaknesses that are present in obsolete software. This can cause your device to be infected and even steal your financial data when you purchase on the internet.

Choose well-known and reliable websites. Make sure to use the most well-known online stores when shopping online. There are a variety of ways that hackers can trick customers into fake online shopping websites. They make an effort to discredit e-commerce websites such as Amazon for example, by saying that they are not reliable and they could be a scammer. Certain fake merchant websites try to lure buyers with offers that offer their products at ridiculously low prices and putting too many favorable reviews on their sites. If a suspicious offer or website seems too appealing to be real it is advisable to be cautious before signing up for

Your basket, and then empty your money.

Input your own URLs. Many emails that are phishing contain links to malicious websites which appear to be genuine bargain websites. It is best to type URLs directly into your browser by yourself. In addition, to ensure the best security, be careful not to click on links or attachments in promotional emails.

It is convenient to shop online because you can shop at home and stay away from crowds, but you must be cautious. However, the internet isn't a secure site to be in and it is essential to keep these guidelines in mind.