Risks of the Open HTTP Internet Protocol
The modern HTTPS standard protects information using end-to-end cryptographic encryption, preventing outsiders from reading traffic. On sites using the older HTTP protocol, traffic is sent in plaintext: an attacker on the same Wi-Fi network or a dishonest ISP can see your entered bank card numbers the moment you click pay.
How to Protect Payments When Shopping Online
- leave the page immediately and enter nothing if the browser displays a "Not Secure" warning
- check the website address in the bar to ensure you haven't landed on a phishing clone
- make purchases only on resources with a valid security certificate (padlock icon or https://)
- enable the "Always use secure connections" feature in your browser settings