The festive shopping season is a time when people spend a lot of money online. This makes it a prime target for scammers and cybercriminals. Here are some tips to help you stay safe online this festive shopping season:
- Shop on trusted websites. Only shop on websites that you know and trust. One way to check if a website is trusted is to look for the HTTPS:// prefix in the URL. This indicates that the website is using a secure connection.
- Beware of phishing emails and text messages. Phishing emails and text messages are designed to look like they are from a legitimate company, such as a bank or credit card company. The goal is to trick you into clicking on a link or entering your personal information. If you receive an email or text message from a company that you are not expecting, do not click on any links or enter any information. Instead, go to the company’s website directly and log in to your account.
- Use strong passwords and enable MFA. Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts. It is also a good idea to enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all of your accounts. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in.
- Be careful about what information you share online. Do not share your personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card number, with anyone you do not trust. Be especially careful about sharing your information on social media.
- Keep your software up to date. Make sure that your computer’s operating system and software are up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your computer from malware and other threats.
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind during the festive shopping season:
- Beware of deals that seem too good to be true. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often use fake deals to lure people into giving them money or personal information.
- Be careful about using public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure, so it is best to avoid using them to make online purchases or enter sensitive information.
- Monitor your bank statements and credit reports regularly. Review your bank statements and credit reports regularly for any unauthorized activity. If you see anything suspicious, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
Also read: Knowing your enemy: 1/3 Australian SMEs have been victims of cybercrime
