Losing control of a major online shopping account like your Amazon account is a huge problem. An account hijacker could purchase all sorts of high end goods, jewelry, electronics, gift cards. Really, almost anything is for sale on Amazon. If you have a Prime membership, an attacker also has access to your video and music streaming account as well. This access can get expensive in a hurry.
Last week I reviewed the importance of checking your Google account security settings. Today I will encourage you to check the security settings for your Amazon account. First we have to log in to the account. Click on Accounts and Lists.
Then enter your user ID and password.
Of course you are using two-factor authentication! Enter the code here. If not, today would be a good time to set it up.
Here are the options you have for your security configuration. Make sure your name, email address, and mobile phone number are entered. Make sure to verify your phone. You can change your password if you feel it’s necessary. Last but not least, set up two-factor authentication.
Amazon calls it two step verification (2SV), but its the same thing as 2FA. You can enroll Amazon in your smart phone authentication app, or simply set up 2SV by SMS phone app (text message). Text messaging is not as secure as an authenticator app, but it is better than just a password.
That is it for Amazon. Not nearly as complicated as Google security. From here, you are on your own. Every online account has its own security dashboard, and they are all a little different. Generally speaking, you can access the account settings by right clicking or left clicking on your name or personal avatar usually located at the upper right hand corner of the web page. Look for security settings, account settings, or just settings. Good luck and stay safe.
Share
MAY
About the Author:
I am a cybersecurity and IT instructor, cybersecurity analyst, pen-tester, trainer, and speaker. I am an owner of the WyzCo Group Inc. In addition to consulting on security products and services, I also conduct security audits, compliance audits, vulnerability assessments and penetration tests. I also teach Cybersecurity Awareness Training classes. I work as an information technology and cybersecurity instructor for several training and certification organizations. I have worked in corporate, military, government, and workforce development training environments I am a frequent speaker at professional conferences such as the Minnesota Bloggers Conference, Secure360 Security Conference in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, the (ISC)2 World Congress 2016, and the ISSA International Conference 2017, and many local community organizations, including Chambers of Commerce, SCORE, and several school districts. I have been blogging on cybersecurity since 2006 at http://wyzguyscybersecurity.com