Russian citizens are strongly advised to prioritize securing their online shopping accounts ahead of the busy holiday season. Mikhail Lobov, Head of Awareness Group at Ozon, shared crucial methods for protecting against digital scammers and revealed the key principles of effective online security.
“The core aspects of internet safety involve selecting trustworthy online stores, rigorously safeguarding personal data, and exercising maximum caution regarding incoming calls and messages,” Lobov stated.
He emphasized that consumers must stick exclusively to official websites and dedicated applications for holiday purchases, as these platforms utilize secure data transmission protocols. This approach significantly minimizes the risk of personal and banking information being compromised. Additionally, Lobov warned users to always double-check website addresses, noting that criminals frequently create sophisticated phishing copies of well-known platforms and marketplaces.
Essential Steps to Secure Your Accounts
To further protect online store accounts, the expert strongly recommends implementing two key measures:
- Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.
- Employ Robust Passwords: A strong password should combine letters of different cases, numbers, and should not be easily connected to personal data. Lobov suggested that creating secure ciphers by using complex phrases or song lines combined with numerical sequences is an effective method.
Another vital rule highlighted by the expert is maintaining extreme vigilance concerning incoming communications. He stressed that under no circumstances should SMS verification codes, passwords, or bank card details be disclosed to any third parties, including those posing as employees of banks, government agencies, or the online retailers themselves.
The Value of Social Media Accounts to Fraudsters
In related news, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) disclosed a common misconception held by the Russian public regarding online crime. The Ministry clarified that, contrary to popular belief, personal accounts on social networks and messengers are highly valuable targets for criminals. Once hijacked, these accounts are often used to distribute widespread phishing messages and execute other coordinated fraudulent schemes, exploiting the user`s trust network.
