E-commerce is very important today. There are more and more platforms that we have available to make purchases of all kinds from any device that we use. However, this can also have its risks if we do not take precautions and make some mistakes. Hackers know this and we can come across campaigns that seek to steal information and compromise our computers. In this article we are going to talk about the most common attacks when buying from Amazon and what we should know about.
Buy safely on Amazon
Among all the platforms that we have at our disposal, without a doubt one of the most important is Amazon . There we can find all kinds of products that we can buy and receive at home in a few days through the computer or mobile. It is one of the ones with the most active users.
This fact also opens a window for cybercriminals to break the security of users. They can steal passwords, information, sneak malware … For this reason it is essential that we always buy with total security through this service.
In order to protect ourselves properly , something that we must know well are the most common types of attacks. In this way we will know how to recognize them and avoid being scammed. If we do not take the appropriate measures, we could have problems that affect both our account and the devices we use.
Most common attacks when using Amazon
We are going to name some of the most common scams when we use Amazon. This is something that we can also apply to other similar platforms, since in many cases the strategies used by hackers are the same.
Phishing attacks
Without a doubt, one of the most common problems is Phishing attacks . Hackers send emails or SMS where they tell us that our order has a problem, that our account has been attacked, that we have to take some action … In short, they seek to use any bait so that we have to log in or send information.
Logically all this is a hoax. They take advantage of the fact that the platform is widely used to capture the attention of the victim. Everything we put will end up on a server controlled by the attackers and our account could be stolen.
Fake coupons
Another type of widely used attack is that of fake coupons . Basically, it consists in that we get some type of link, a discount, where they offer us a discounted product or a code to get a lower price on Amazon.
Once again we are facing a scam. What they are looking for is that we enter that link, that we download that file that supposedly carries a discount code. In this way, what we really do is download some type of malicious software.
Fake products
They can also carry out scams using fake products . It is very common to mislead in the case of technology, where they can sell a product similar to what the victim may think of. In fact, on many occasions they do not do anything illegal, but it is the user himself who does not read the specifications and the exact name of that product.
Unsafe applications
One more method of attacking those who use Amazon is through insecure applications. It is software that pretends to be legitimate but actually hides malicious code that can compromise our computers.
How to protect ourselves when buying on Amazon
We have seen some of the most common types of attacks that we can face. They are strategies that hackers can use with the aim of stealing our account, sneaking malware into us or making us buy a product that is not. We are going to give some important tips to buy safely on Amazon.
Browse from secure networks
A first tip is to browse and buy from secure networks . We must avoid a public Wi-Fi network if we are going to enter personal data and make a payment. These types of networks could filter our information and expose personal data.
In the event that we are going to make a payment from a public network, something that we can take into account is the fact of using a VPN tool that allows the connection to be encrypted and that the information travels in a kind of tunnel.
Use safe and up-to-date equipment
Of course you also have to take into account the importance of using equipment that is properly protected . It is advisable to use an antivirus, as well as other security tools that can help avoid malware.
In addition, vulnerabilities can sometimes arise that are exploited by hackers to deploy their attacks. We can correct these bugs through patches and updates. Hence the importance of always having correctly updated systems.
Protect account
On the other hand, we must recommend protecting the account adequately. One essential thing is to use passwords that are strong and secure. A good key is the main security barrier to prevent intruders.
We can also consider the use of two-factor authentication. This provides an extra layer of security and protects us in the event that an intruder gains our password, such as through a Phishing attack.
Use official programs
Finally, one more tip is to always use applications that are official. It is true that sometimes we can find third-party programs that may have some added functionalities, but it is advisable to only use legitimate and official software, to avoid it being maliciously modified by third parties.
In short, when buying through Amazon we can run into some security risks. It is always convenient to be protected and of course not make mistakes that expose personal information and allow the entry of threats.
