As the holiday season kicks off, so does the frenzy of online shopping. It’s a time when many of us are eagerly hunting for the best online deals. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when cybercriminals ramp up their efforts to steal personal and financial information. With just a few practical precautions, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping without putting yourself at risk. Here are 10 tips to help you stay secure while making the most of early holiday sales.
1. Shop Only on Trusted Websites
Stick to well-known, reputable retailers for your online purchases. Scammers often create fake websites that mimic popular stores to trick shoppers. Look for the padlock symbol in the browser bar, which indicates a secure connection. Also, double-check the URL — slight misspellings or extra characters can signal a fake website.
2. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Purchases
It might be tempting to shop on your phone while at a coffee shop, but public Wi-Fi networks are not secure. Hackers can easily intercept data over these networks, putting your credit card information and personal details at risk. If you need to shop on the go, use your cellular data or wait until you’re on a secure, private Wi-Fi connection.
3. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone. Many major retailers offer MFA as an option and enabling it can make it much harder for cybercriminals to access your account, even if they manage to get your password.
4. Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Using strong passwords is essential, especially during the holiday season when your accounts might see increased activity. Each online retailer should have a unique password to prevent a breach on one site from compromising all your accounts. If keeping track of passwords is challenging, consider using a password manager to safely store and generate secure passwords.
5. Watch Out for Phishing Emails and Texts
Holiday shopping often means an inbox flooded with promotional emails. Unfortunately, cybercriminals use this time to send phishing emails disguised as deals, shipping updates, or account alerts. Be suspicious of unexpected messages, especially those asking for personal information or directing you to login pages. If you’re unsure, go directly to the retailer’s website rather than clicking any links.
6. Check Your Bank Statements Regularly
It’s easy to overlook small, unauthorized charges, but they can be early warning signs of fraud. Make it a habit to review your bank and credit card statements throughout the holiday season. Catching suspicious activity early can help you avoid bigger issues down the line.
7. Use Credit Cards or Digital Wallets Over Debit Cards
Credit cards typically offer better protection against fraud than debit cards. Additionally, digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay use encryption and tokenization to keep your information secure. When possible, use these methods instead of typing in your card details, which can be intercepted by malicious software.
8. Be Cautious with Apps
Retail apps can make shopping easier, but they also come with risks. Download apps only from official app stores and check the app’s reviews and permissions before installing. Be wary of apps that ask for excessive permissions. This might be a way for them to collect more information than necessary.
9. Set Up Alerts for Purchases
Many banks and credit card companies allow you to set up alerts for purchases made with your cards. These notifications can help you quickly spot any unauthorized transactions and give you peace of mind that your information is being used only by you.
10. Log Out After Shopping
It’s an easy one to overlook but logging out of your accounts when you’re done shopping can add a layer of security, especially if you’re on a shared or public device. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference in protecting your personal information.
11. Be Cautious of Unusually Good Deals
If you come across deals that seem too good to be true, they probably are. Cybercriminals often lure shoppers with prices that are significantly lower than usual to get them to click on malicious links or enter personal information. Stick to deals from reputable websites and avoid clicking on banners or pop-ups that advertise steep discounts. It’s always safer to search for deals directly on trusted retailer websites.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is a time to enjoy and celebrate, not to worry about cyber threats. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can keep your online shopping secure and focus on finding the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in keeping cybercriminals at bay — happy (and safe) shopping!
At Professional Computer Concepts, we’re here to help you stay safe online, not just during the holidays but year-round. If you have questions about online security or want to learn more about how we can protect your business’s digital environment, let’s start a conversation. Contact us today and make cybersecurity a gift that keeps on giving!
Top Questions about Online Shopping Safety
What are the most common online shopping scams during the holiday season?
Fake retail websites, phishing emails, and “too-good-to-be-true” deals are common scams.
How can I tell if a website is trustworthy for shopping?
Look for HTTPS in the URL, a padlock icon, and check for well-known retailer names. Avoid sites with spelling errors or unusual domains.
What security steps should I take before shopping online?
Use strong, unique passwords, enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), and ensure your device has updated security software.
Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi for online purchases?
No, public Wi-Fi is not secure. Use cellular data or a private, secure Wi-Fi network instead.
How can I secure my payment information when shopping online?
Use credit cards or digital wallets, avoid saving card info on sites, and enable purchase alerts.
How do I set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on my shopping accounts?
Go to your account settings on retailer sites, select “Security” or “Login,” and enable MFA by following the prompts.
Are password managers secure for storing my shopping passwords?
Yes, reputable password managers are encrypted and secure for safely storing passwords.
What are the warning signs of phishing emails and texts?
Look for unfamiliar senders, poor grammar, urgent language, and suspicious links. If in doubt, go directly to the retailer’s site.
How often should I check my bank statements for unauthorized charges?
Weekly during the holiday season or whenever you make frequent purchases.
What should I do if I notice suspicious transactions on my account?
Contact your bank or credit card company immediately to report the charges and secure your account.
How can I set up alerts for purchases on my bank or credit card?
Check your bank or credit card’s app or website to enable purchase notifications under “Account Settings.”
What should I do if I think I’ve downloaded a suspicious app?
Delete it immediately, run a security scan on your device, and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
How can I identify if a holiday deal is legitimate or a scam?
Compare prices on reputable websites. If the discount is unrealistically high, it may be a scam.
Is it better to use credit cards or digital wallets for holiday shopping?
Yes, both offer extra fraud protection compared to debit cards.
What are some additional online safety tips for the holidays?
Log out after shopping, avoid pop-up ads, and never save payment information on unfamiliar websites.