In the age of digital convenience, online shopping is a mundane part of life. However, as e-commerce grows in popularity, cybersecurity threats increase as well. Understanding these threats and knowing how to stay protected is crucial for safe online shopping. Phishing scams pose a significant threat by attempting to obtain sensitive information, such as login credentials and credit card numbers, through fraudulent means. Shoppers often receive fake emails that appear to be from legitimate retailers, prompting them to click on malicious links or enter personal information on counterfeit websites.

Data breaches happen when hackers infiltrate an online retailer's database and steal customer information, such as email addresses, passwords, and payment details. Therefore, shoppers should opt for secure payment options such as credit cards or trusted third-party services. These methods offer better fraud protection than debit cards. They should avoid direct bank transfers or using unsecured payment services.

In addition, online shoppers should always check for the padlock symbol in the address bar and ensure the website URL begins with "https://" before entering personal or payment information. The "s" in "https" stands for "secure" and indicates that the website has an SSL certificate, providing a secure connection.

It is also necessary to be cautious about the amount of personal information shared online. E-commerce users should only provide necessary details and avoid saving payment information on websites. Using strong, unique passwords for different sites and enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible enhances security.