Which practice helps protect against identity theft when shopping online?

• A. Use HTTPS, private networks, and reputable websites
• B. Shop on any site, even unsecured ones
• C. Share payment information via email
• D. Use a public computer to shop

Answer: (A)

Protecting identity while shopping online hinges on secure connections, reputable sites, and careful handling of payment details. When you use sites that start with https and show a padlock, your data is encrypted as it travels between your device and the retailer, making it much harder for someone on the same network to read your credit card number, address, or login information. A private network rather than public Wi-Fi reduces the risk of interception or tampering with the data in transit. Choosing reputable websites means you’re more likely to encounter solid security practices, up-to-date protection, and legitimate payment processing, which together lower the chances of fraud or theft. In contrast, shopping on unsecured sites, sharing payment details via email, or using a public computer can expose you to data interception, malware, or other security breaches.