AVG's five top tips for safe 'mobile shopping'

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Tuesday, 21 December 2010 12:35

Your IT - Mobility

If you've been using a mobile device to help you shop during this festive season, whether it be for the convenience this delivers, because it's a 'new experience' or something else, you're not alone - so here's some safety tips from AVG to help keep you safe and secure.

AVG, the Internet security company probably most well-known for its free AVG anti-virus software, has come forth with a selection of tips to stay safe when online shopping from your favourite mobile device.

AVG notes the 'bevy of shopping mobile apps' now available, which help you avoid crowds, queues, parking hassles and more from anywhere thanks to the mobility of mobile devices - not just in front of your desktop PC as in e-shopping years gone by.

Indeed, AVG says this behaviour is fast becoming normal, quoting 'ABI research' saying that 'nearly half of all smart phone owners have shopped or plan to shop on their mobile phone.'

Lloyd Borrett, AVG's Security Evangelist in Australia and New Zealand says: 'Attention bargain hunters: you're also being hunted. Don't forget smart phones are portable computers, and like any computer, they can be hacked and attacked for any account, financial and other personal info that might be on them.'

'So, to help you shop smart with your mobile cart, we suggest these five safety tips to help you be more secure when you shop on your mobile.'

AVG's five safe mobile shopping tips are as follows:

1. Not everyone online wishes you a merry Christmas.

'Public Wi-Fi is a great means of browsing retailers on the go, but be cautious when providing personal information like credit card numbers or passwords. You could be opening a back door for hackers and spammers. You wouldn't invite a stranger into your home, so why do the same to your mobile device. Don't give away your credit card details over open unsecured Wi-Fi.'

2. Be aware of the entire URL.

'Many smaller mobile devices don't show the full web address, or hide it completely. Hackers are aware of this and may attach information at the end of URLs to lead you to corrupt sites. If the site name is unrecognisable, check before you click.'

3. There's an app for that.

'Whether it's an app for price comparison or an app from your favourite retailer, check with the app's parent company to make sure it's legitimate, and read the app's privacy policy before you install it. The most important thing is to trust your instincts. AVG DroidSecurity for all Android devices can help with free automatic scans for malware in apps.'

4. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

'Avoid clicking on suspicious links that claim to offer free products or amazing deals. Everyone loves free things or deals that offer unbeatable savings, and hackers love taking advantage of this by offering links to fraudulent sites.'

5. Lock it down.

'Password-protect your private information and data. Mobile devices are easy to lose, and a lost phone can put you at risk of a phishing scam or identity theft if your accounts are accessed.'

More security tips from AVG are available here, with some tips on video to view at AVG's YouTube page.