Protect Your Information
The information you need to protect your account, privacy, devices, and wireless network.
Protect Your Account Information
Here are a few things that you can do to keep your information safe both on and off eBay.
- Make sure you have updated your browser to the latest version. Older browsers may not be secure enough to protect your personal or financial information.
- Create a unique password that’s easy for you to remember and type, difficult to guess, and includes a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Don’t reuse your eBay userID (or email address) and password on other accounts—use a different username and password combination on every site you visit.
- Change your password every 30 to 60 days.
- Never reveal your eBay or online payment passwords to anybody.
- Be aware of who is around you and may be watching what you are doing online. Protect your screen from onlookers.
- De-select the Keep Me Logged In option when using a public computer or when you are not actively using a site.
- Consider using a password manager. Research can help find the best one for you.
- Create a userID that is different from your email address and does not reveal your name.
- Never store passwords on your smartphone or tablet.
Protect Your Privacy
The eBay Privacy Notice outlines policies for collecting, using, disclosing, retaining, and protecting your personal information. Read these tips to see what you can do to protect your privacy on social media or when buying and selling online.
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Don’t overshare online. The more personal information you give up on public-facing sites, the easier it is for hackers and fraudsters to develop convincing email, text, or phone messages to deceive you or to commit fraud.
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Don’t share your email address, phone numbers, or other personal contact information outside of eBay.
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Be wary of internet surveys, petitions, or polls that may just be a trick to collect your personal information so scammers can pretend they know you or represent companies you do business with.
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Create an eBay userID that is different from your personal email address and does not reveal your full name.
Protect Your Devices
Whatever type of device you use to shop online, follow these tips to keep your device and data safe.
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Protect your computer with a strong password. Lock your screen with a password when you step away, even in your own home.
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Keep your smartphone, tablet, or laptop in your sight. Never leave your devices unattended in a public place—even in your own locked car. If you must do so, make sure they are hidden away and out of sight.
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Be wary of urgent pop-ups that warn you about viruses on your device. These are usually traps to trick you into installing malicious software.
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Avoid installing software that you don’t need or that comes from unverified sources.
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Disable hotspots on your phone when not needed.
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Keep your software up-to-date. Install software updates and security patches as soon as they are available.
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Protect your internet-connected device with a PIN or with a biometric method such as a fingerprint.
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Don’t carry your smartphone in your back pocket or anywhere that it could be easily stolen.
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Select the option to manually (not automatically) connect to wifi.
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Keep your anti-virus, anti-spam, and other security software up-to-date.
Protect Your Wireless Network
Protect Your Wireless Network.
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Secure the router for your wireless network with a password. If you don't secure your router, strangers could access your network and view your personal or financial information.
- Change the name of your wireless network and any pre-set passwords provided by the vendor, even if the name and password seems complex. Visit the company’s website to learn how.
- Keep your router’s software up-to-date. Register with the manufacturer to get updates.
- Turn on encryption so that nearby attackers can’t read your communications.
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Be sure to change your router administrator password as soon as you set up your wireless network. Use a strong password that is easy for you to remember but hard for anyone to guess.
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When you are finished setting up your router, log out as an administrator.