Mobile shopping isn’t something I ever thought I’d do. I mean, come on! Why in the world would I use a tiny screen to make big purchases that often require lots of research? But I have found that as I become more dependant on my mobile phone whenever I’m away from my home/office wireless connection, I also accomplish more menial tasks while waiting at a doctor’s office or airport, for example. Tools like the eBay app, Craigslist Pro, and savvy online retailers like Amazon have made mobile shopping simple and easy.
I’m not alone. The National Cyber Security Alliance and McAfee released a study showing that In the last six months, 50% of Americans have used smartphones to research potential purchases, 27% have used them to shop, 12% have used them to shop at auction websites, specifically, and 18% have used their phones to make online payments.
While using a PC to shop online has risks, so does mobile shopping. Caution must be taken. Of those polled, 72% admit to having no security software at all. McAfee researchers found that new examples of mobile malware increased 46% from 2009 to 2010, and within the next one to two years, mobile malware is expected to affect more than one in 20 devices.
To stay safe while mobile shopping this holiday season:
1. Keep security software current. The latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
2. Automate software updates. Many software programs can update automatically to defend against known risks. If this is an available option, be sure to turn it on.
3. Protect all devices that connect to the Internet. In addition to computers, smartphones, gaming systems, and other web-enabled devices also require virus and malware protection.
4. Plug USB drives and other external devices into your computer and scan them with your security software.
5. Know the seller before making a purchase. If a seller is unfamiliar, do research to see how they have been rated and reviewed before making your first purchase. This is a good idea even if you are a return customer, as reputations can change.
By: Robert Siciliano
