Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner, sure to bring incredible online deals and plenty of excitement for shoppers. But while people rush to the internet, credit cards at the ready, to take advantage of the best discounts, cybercriminals are on the prowl.
In this article, we discuss the importance of safe online shopping practices and offer tips to stay cyber secure during the holiday shopping rush.
Why is online shopping safety important during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday draw millions of eager shoppers online, creating a massive spike in online stores’ traffic. Around the same time, retailers work double-time to promote their products and deals by sending countless email ads and other promotional materials. In their excitement to find out if they can score discounts, many people often mindlessly click on these ads.
Cybercriminals capitalize on this shopping frenzy by launching phishing scams through fake websites, emails, and misleading ads designed to steal personal data and payment information. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid falling for these scams.
Top tips for safe online shopping this season
To help you stay safe as you take advantage of the best deals this holiday season, we’ve compiled a list of essential tips for secure online shopping during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Stick to trusted retailers
Shopping with familiar, reputable retailers is one of the safest ways to avoid scams during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. When you know the store — whether it’s a well-known brand or a local business with an online presence — you can feel confident that your shopping experience will be safe. If any issues arise, you can simply visit a physical location or contact customer support directly.
If you’re tempted to buy from a store you’re unfamiliar with, take extra steps to verify its security and legitimacy. Start by checking reviews listed on trusted sources or websites dedicated to rating online stores. Check for a regular pattern of positive experiences from other shoppers. If the store lacks reviews or has negative feedback, you’re better off sticking to retailers with proven reputations.
Use secure connections only
Before diving into those holiday deals, make sure your computer or smartphone has up-to-date antivirus software and that your firewall is enabled. These measures help keep malware and hackers at bay because they safeguard everything from your payment details to your stored files.
And if you’re using a wireless network to shop, make sure it’s encrypted, such as with a VPN. This ensures that cybercriminals, even if they’re nearby, can’t intercept your data as it travels over the wireless network. Also, avoid making any purchases over public Wi-Fi, as cybercriminals can easily compromise these networks and obtain your sensitive data.
Be mindful of phishing scams
Phishing scams are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to steal personal information. They often disguise emails to look like they’re from legitimate retailers, especially around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. During the shopping season, the sheer volume of retail emails makes it easier for cybercriminals to slip their phishing scams amidst the clutter. These emails may offer limited-time deals or warn you of an issue with your account, urging you to take quick action by clicking on a link. Once you click on it, you’ll be directed to a fake website designed to capture your information for the scammer’s use.
To avoid falling for a phishing scam, always take a moment to verify the sender’s email address and check the URL before clicking any links or sharing information. Also, keep in mind that legitimate retailers rarely ask for sensitive information via email, and they won’t create a sense of urgency or fear around your account status. When uncertain, it’s best to access the retailer’s official website rather than clicking on links in questionable messages. This extra step helps verify that you’re only interacting with legitimate sites.
Avoid using debit cards
Because debit cards are directly linked to your bank account, a hacker gaining access to your bank information can lead to significant financial loss. This is why it is recommended to use credit cards or secure payment services like PayPal instead when shopping online. The long-term impact on your finances is far smaller and easier to address if someone obtains your credit card information or breaches a payment service.
In case of a fraudulent transaction on your credit card, it is likely for the issuing company to reverse the charge quickly as they investigate the transaction. By contrast, if you use a debit card and something goes wrong, your bank may take months or longer to reverse the charges.
Still worried about shopping safely this Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Reach out to the experts at PCA Technology Group for more tips and solutions to boost your cybersecurity. Contact us today for assistance.
