November Cybersecurity Awareness Tip: Tips for safe online holiday shopping

As we gear up for the holiday season, it’s essential to keep cybersecurity top of mind. A few proactive steps can protect you and your loved ones from scams and security threats. Consider the following tips to boost your online safety this season.

Shop on secure websites

• Research unfamiliar retailers and read reviews before purchasing.
• Check for “https://” at the start of a website URL – this means the connection with the site is encrypted to protect your information in transit.
• Don’t click on unexpected links in emails. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s website to confirm the offer is legitimate.
• Use online tools like scam site checkers (e.g., Google Safe Browsing) to verify a site’s legitimacy.

Beware of deals that seem too good to be true

• Be wary of “limited-time” sales and exclusive deals to lure you into providing personal information on fraudulent websites.
• Use caution when you encounter pop-up ads and emails that direct you to unfamiliar websites.
• Remember, if a deal looks suspicious or seems to good to be true it’s best to go with your gut.

Use credit cards or secure payment services

• Avoid using debit card for online purchases – credit cards often offer more consumer protections and can reduce the potential impact of a data breach.
• Consider secure payment methods like ApplePay or PayPal, which can add an additional layer of protection.
• Avoid saving your payment information on retail sites. Instead, enter it manually each time to avoid your data becoming exposed in the event of a website security breach.