The holiday shopping season is here and with it comes the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. While you’re busy filling your online shopping cart, cybercriminals are waiting to steal your personal information, compromise your accounts and take advantage of unprotected transactions. We have the cybersecurity tips you need to keep your data secure.
At Archtop Fiber, your cybersecurity is our top priority. As you hunt for the best deals, we’re here to help you shop safely. Follow these ten essential tips to protect yourself during the busiest shopping season of the year!
1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your online accounts. By requiring more than just a password, such as a code sent to your phone or a biometric scan, MFA makes it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access. Even if someone manages to steal your password, they’ll still need the second verification step, which is usually tied to something only you have.
Setting up MFA might take a little extra time, but it’s worth it for peace of mind. Make sure you enable MFA on accounts that hold sensitive information, such as your email, bank accounts and online shopping platforms. This simple step acts as a powerful shield, safeguarding your personal and financial data from falling into the wrong hands.
2. Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Passwords are your first line of defense against cyber threats, so it’s important to use ones that are strong and unique. Avoid using easily guessable passwords, such as “password123” or your pet’s name. Instead, create a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Ideally, passwords should be at least 12 characters long.
Using the same password across multiple accounts is a risky habit. If one account is breached, all your other accounts could be compromised. A password manager is a great tool to help you quickly and easily generate and store unique passwords for every platform you use. This ensures your accounts stay secure without the hassle of having to remember multiple login credentials.
3. Stick to Trusted Retailers
When hunting for deals, stick to shopping with trusted and reputable retailers. Cybercriminals often create fake websites that mimic popular brands to steal your personal data and payment information. These sites may look convincing, but subtle differences in the URL or design can give them away.
Before making a purchase, verify the website’s legitimacy. Check for reviews and avoid sites with poorly written text or offers that seem too good to be true. Shopping on trusted platforms ensures your transactions are secure and your data is protected. Choose credit cards over checks or debit cards when it’s time to make your purchase. Credit cards offer greater consumer protection for online purchases, making it easier to dispute fraudulent transactions.
4. Watch Out for Phishing Attempts
Phishing scams ramp up during the holiday season. Scammers use fake emails or messages to trick you into providing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. These messages often claim to be urgent, such as “Your account will be suspended!” or “Act now to claim your prize!”
Always scrutinize emails and text messages before taking action. Check the sender’s email address carefully — scammers often use addresses that are similar but not identical to the real ones. Avoid clicking on links in messages that seem suspicious, and if in doubt, contact the company directly using a verified number or website.
5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions
While it’s tempting to shop while sipping coffee at your local café, public Wi-Fi networks are not secure. Hackers can intercept data transmitted over these networks, potentially gaining access to your personal and financial information.
If you need to shop while out and about, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection. Better yet, wait until you’re on a secure, private network to make your purchases. Protecting your data during transactions is crucial to ensuring your information stays safe.
6. Check for HTTPS
When shopping online, always look for “https://” at the beginning of the website’s URL. The “S” stands for secure and indicates that the site encrypts your data during transmission. You may also see a padlock icon in the address bar, which is another sign of a secure connection.
Websites without HTTPS leave your data vulnerable to interception by hackers. If you’re on a site that only shows “http://” or lacks a padlock, avoid entering any sensitive information, such as credit card numbers or login credentials.
7. Be Skeptical of Deals That Are Too Good to Be True
The promise of an incredible deal can be hard to resist, but if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers know that shoppers are drawn to massive discounts and they use fake offers to lure victims into providing personal or financial information.
Be cautious of deals that seem overly generous, especially if they come from unfamiliar websites or unsolicited emails. Cross-check prices on trusted retailer sites to ensure the deal is legitimate. Remember, saving a few extra dollars isn’t worth compromising your cybersecurity.
8. Keep Software and Devices Updated
Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to launch attacks. Keeping your operating system, browser and antivirus software up-to-date ensures you have the latest security patches in place.
Set your devices to update automatically so you don’t have to remember to do it manually. Regular updates protect you from emerging threats and keep your devices running smoothly, providing an added layer of security while shopping online.
9. Monitor Bank Statements and Credit Card Activity
After making your purchases, don’t forget to keep an eye on your financial accounts. Check your bank statements and credit card activity regularly for any unauthorized transactions. The sooner you spot suspicious activity, the faster you can take action to resolve it.
Consider setting up transaction alerts through your bank or credit card provider. These alerts notify you immediately of any charges, allowing you to flag and dispute fraudulent activity in real time.
10. Protect Your Accounts from Credential Stuffing
Credential stuffing is a common tactic where cybercriminals use stolen usernames and passwords to access multiple accounts. This often happens when people reuse the same credentials across different platforms.
If a breach occurs on one platform, these steps ensure your other accounts remain secure. Be proactive about updating passwords regularly and checking if your accounts have been exposed in a data breach.
Cybersecurity Tips Matters Year-Round to Archtop Fiber
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime opportunities for cybercriminals, but cybersecurity is a year-round necessity. By following these tips, you can enjoy a safer online shopping experience without falling victim to scams.
At Archtop Fiber, we’re committed to helping our customers stay protected in the digital age, with comprehensive managed cybersecurity services to safeguard your data. Stay safe, shop smart, and make this holiday season one to remember — for all the right reasons. Happy shopping! Contact Archtop Fiber today to learn more about our residential and business fiber Internet services.