1. Check up on the website
Make sure you are dealing with a legitimate merchant and website before you enter personal and financial information. Sometimes, attackers try to trick you in by creating bogus websites that look real, but that in fact try to catch information. Before you buy something from an online vendor you have never heard of before, investigate whether it is trustworthy.
2. Not in public space
Try to avoid using a public computer in a cybercafé to purchase things online, as you do not know whether the computer is properly protected. If it is unavoidable, by any means, do not save your personal information on that computer. Also, be prudent when accessing a free WiFi network.
3. Secure payment method
Credit cards are a widely accepted and thus handy payment method. Preferably, the website is secured with 3D Secure, an online service that makes e-shopping transactions safer by authenticating a card owner's identity at the time of the purchase. The card owner can be requested to enter a password to get authenticated. It goes without saying that this payment option is much more secure.
4. Beware of requests for information
Phishing mails are still a cherished method hackers try to gather information with. Typically, they send an e-mail requesting you to confirm a purchase or some account information. Be aware that legitimate websites do not use this technique to obtain information from customers. Additionally, pay attention to links in e-mails, tweets and online advertising. These channels are often used by cybercriminals to compromise your computer. If you doubt the trustworthiness, delete or mark the mail as junk e-mail.
5. Keep your computer clean
Double-check whether you have the latest security software, web browser and operating system installed on your pc, to protect you against viruses, malware or other online threats.