Holidays are here, and cybercriminals are watching. Are you prepared for safe holiday shopping online?

Increased online shopping means a high number of transactions that attract hackers who are out there to hunt for sensitive personal data and money. So before you start typing in your credit card information to get that deal you saw on a social media ad, take a step back and read these cybersecurity tips.

1. Keep your devices updated and use antivirus software

Software or app providers release updates that work as patches to fix bugs. Keep your devices updated, as hackers always look for unpatched systems. Also, install and constantly update antivirus software.

2. Create strong passwords and use two-factor authentication

Before holiday shopping, strengthen weak passwords. Secure your shopping accounts, emails, or Internet banking accounts. We recommend to use random letters, numbers, and symbols and never use the same password for multiple accounts. Also, when possible, enable the two-factor or multiple factor authentication on your accounts.

3. Avoid phishing

Pay attention to what you click on. Avoid SMS, email, or ad phishing – a social media ad promoting a great discount or an email about shipping notification might be fraudulent. Don’t click on anything, and check the information with the official website of the retailer.

4. Use private WIFI networks or VPN

Don’t do your online shopping while connected to public WIFI. As Cybersecurity experts, we recommend you to wait until you get home. You can also take an extra security measure by using a virtual private network (VPN).

5. Check credit and debit card statements often

Make a daily habit of checking your credit and debit card statements through Internet banking services. Or subscribe to text or email alerts for card transactions. Many banks offer this service recently.

6. Use official websites

For cybersecurity reasons, when you start online shopping, always search for the retailers’ official websites. Do not follow email or social media links, or always check for the offers’ legitimacy with the official websites.

7. Be skeptical about deals that are too good to be true

If a deal looks too good to be true or/and it requests to act quickly, most probably, it is a fraudulent offer. Be skeptical and ask for details and confirmation by using the official contact details of the seller.

Don’t let cyber threats ruin your holiday shopping. Stop stressing about your devices and networks, and contact us to make them safe!