How Risky Is Online Shopping? Are Online Shopping Apps Safe To Use?

By Author: Akash Dwivedi
Total Articles: 3
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We know that after all, it’s an online world. It's the matter of online shopping, there are numerous benefits which one can instantly take away. It is prompt, flexible, easy, and cost-efficient. However, one can get better deals on online shopping stores, then compare goods in a way unknown to physical stores. Resulting in that, B2C e-commerce sales globally exceed $1,250 billion and more than the national income of various small countries.

Moreover, with such huge volumes comes the risk of fraud in online shopping. It's natural that the cybercriminals do not want to miss out on something this extravaganza. Resulting online shopping portals and the shoppers are their major targets. Especially, this is real during the festive season as there are numerous online sales and discounts flooding the market. Besides, the customers rush to pick the best deals of the day. The cybercriminals wait until in the background to mainly trap them. There are massive amounts of online shopping risks associated with online portals.

What are the Risks of Online Shopping?

For the shoppers ...
... visiting online marketplaces, some common risks of fraud in online shopping they need to worry about is below. Every knowledge covered about these common attack vectors will assist people to avoid crimes. It also enables them to educate their family members and friends as well. There are the following risk factors of online shopping:

"Phishing Scam Risks"

These possible risks of shopping online are the most common threats you need to be careful about. It's quite simple and easy to make a fake page. The fake page resembles a genuine online shopping site or page. Then they can easily get a buyer to enter their personal details there. Once the user fills it out, it has been tricked then into sharing his bank details and more. He then turns into a victim of an online scam or a malware campaign.

"Online Theft"

Whenever a user reaches a website and makes an online purchase. All of his details that are entered are then up for grabs. It's the prize that online attackers look forward to making their heavy efforts worthwhile. These details can be snatched by an attacker either by phishing the user. Or by hacking a genuine site's server and stealing all the details. Once a cybercriminal gets access to this in-depth information such as Name, Contact Details, DOB, Address and more. He can easily cause hefty financial damage to the victim’s account. Online theft is a part of the security risks of online shopping.

"Specialized Malware"

The most common security risks of online shopping of theft or data loss originate from exposure to malware. Some malicious software enters a machine through an email attachment, infected websites, downloads. Once it enters inside, then no one can really stop it to spy on a user's activities, redirecting him to malicious portals. Tracking keyword inputs and also performing other heavily dangerous activities. The malware authors deliberately point such malware during the times of heavy traffic. So, to receive some maximum exposure and hits. Special malware is considered as one of the main risk factors of online shopping.

"Fake Stores"

Fake stores and their deals are the names of all the online shoppers out there. Like how many times have you watched that ad for a great and sweet deal? You just usually click on it and only to be redirected to a fake and shady seeming website. It has absolutely no single sign of the deal that you clicked on. These sites more often turn into malware distribution centres. They offer inferior or fake goods. The mobile shoppers, in particular, must be wary of the fake websites or pages which make heavy promises.

"Fake App"

Online shopping risks related to the fake app are increasing day by day. With a high population of smartphone owners, app developers have a field day at a moment. But, some online shoppers require to search out for fake online shopping apps which make high promises of several amazing deals. Once you install an app, it gets access to all your data and system files. It can ask the user to save his all card details for future buyings. Then it transmits all of his information to a remote server. All the smartphone owners require to be even more cautious since their devices are heavily vulnerable through multiple channels.

While all these possible risks of shopping online can harm the lives of many, there are solutions that can be adopted. These all range from effective antivirus solutions to generate some knowledge sharing platforms.

Safety of Shopping Apps

It all depends on the source from where you are purchasing. There are various risks of online shopping. Online shopping comes with various pros and cons. Perceived risk in online shopping needs to be examined well to be aware of the threats.

PROS

● You can receive a lot of range or a variety of products there.

● There is no need to visit any mall, you just need to click and add products to your shopping cart any time you want.

● You can save your time and money as well. Plus, you can easily compare the prices of different websites that in the case of markets, is not possible.

● When we shop something online , we can get every detail about the features of the product/service that we want to get. Then, they ask for opinions from consumers, some request demonstrations or then compare it with the competition.

● Features of different modes of payment are available. Some websites even provide Cash on delivery, which is very helpful for the newbies as they don't trust in online payment. Although these all payment systems are completely secured unless you somehow share your credentials with other people.

● Best part is that you have lots of deals and coupons at current to use. This means you do not have to bargain for the right price.

CONS

● Many times the product is not of the same quality as it was promised to the customer. Mostly, the sites look a lot appealing by the pictures of their stuff. But, sometimes they try to fool people by showing the HD pictures. However, in reality, the fabric of the product is of very cheap quality.

● Some websites have no Guarantees / Warranties/ Return Policies.

● Issues like late delivery, additional shipping charge on each item, unable to contact the delivery person,

● Bad customer care service.

● In case of long distances, products get damaged on the route and the customers fail to get its benefits.

Online shopping risk statistics of 2017 show 16.7 million people had stolen their identity, according to the 2018 Identity Fraud Study by Javelin Strategy & Research. But all of these risks of online shopping can be easily avoided if bought from a safe and reliable site. There is safety of shopping apps if you download it from a reliable source and you can check the number of downloads. If more people have downloaded it has shown faith in, then you are good to go. Many apps nowadays ask for two-factor data authentication and always provide One Time Password to recheck if the person is you only. These are some factors due to which we can rely on some apps. You will find more information on data security threats or risks involved in .online shopping apps on Desertcart