November 22, 2024

The holiday season brings joy, festivities, and amazing deals – but it also attracts cybercriminals looking to take advantage of eager shoppers. Here’s how to protect yourself while hunting for the perfect gifts.

After a day of feasting with family and friends, the holiday shopping season officially begins next Friday, November 29th! With more and more people shopping online, it’s important to take an inventory of your security practices to protect your financial information, sensitive data, and avoid getting scammed! Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to take advantage of sales and specials. But they’re also opportunities for bad actors and cybercriminals to capitalize on eager shoppers’ vulnerabilities. The team at CISO Global has put their heads together to put together a list of best practices and tips to protecting yourself during this holiday season.

Secure Your Shopping Experience

Before You Shop

– Update all devices and browsers to their latest versions

– Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts

– Use a password manager to create unique, strong passwords

– Install reputable antivirus software

While Shopping

– Look for “https://” and the padlock icon in your browser

– Never shop on public WiFi without a VPN

– Use credit cards instead of debit cards for better fraud protection

– Take screenshots of order confirmations and tracking numbers

– Be cautious of retailers requiring unusual payment methods

Watch Out for Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals

Scammers know we’re all looking for bargains during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Be wary of:

– Prices that seem impossibly low

– Urgent “limited time” pressure tactics

– Unfamiliar retailers with no verifiable history

– Websites that closely mimic legitimate stores but have slight URL variations

Protect Your Payment Information

– Never save credit card information on retail websites

– Consider using virtual credit card numbers for online purchases

– Check your statements regularly for suspicious charges

– Use trusted payment services like PayPal or Apple Pay when possible

Keep an Eye Out for Red Flags

– Suspicious emails or text messages from a delivery carrier claiming delivery issues

– Requests to update payment information via email

– Social media ads with unrealistic discounts

– Pressure to pay using gift cards or wire transfers

– Poor grammar and spelling in official-looking communications

Tips for In-Store Shopping

– Shield the keypad when entering PIN codes

– Keep your wallet in a front pocket or closed bag

– Be aware of your surroundings at ATMs

– Check card readers for signs of tampering

– Avoid clicking on ads for holiday deals

– Don’t share photos of gift cards or receipts

– Be cautious of holiday-themed quizzes that ask personal questions

– Research sellers thoroughly before buying through social platforms

What to Do if You’re Compromised

1. Immediately contact your bank or credit card company to place a hold on your accounts

2. Change passwords for affected accounts

3. Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity

4. Report the incident to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint

5. Document everything for potential fraud claims

Remember: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take your time, do your research, and prioritize security over saving a few extra dollars. A moment of caution can prevent hours of headaches dealing with fraud or identity theft.

By following these guidelines, you can focus on what matters most – enjoying the holiday season with your loved ones, knowing you’re shopping safely and securely.

*Happy Holidays and Safe Shopping!*

The post Cyber Safe for the Holidays appeared first on CISO Global.

*** This is a Security Bloggers Network syndicated blog from CISO Global authored by hmeyers. Read the original post at: https://www.ciso.inc/blog-posts/cyber-safe-for-the-holidays/