Shopping online on Cyber Monday (or any other day)? Here Are Some Online Security Tips:
- Use a credit card, not a debit card. Better recourse. Better protection vs. fraud.
- Consider using a separate credit card, with a smaller credit limit, for shopping online.
- Don’t use public Wi-Fi. Too easy for data to be stolen, or to connect to an unsecured or spoofed hotspots. Mobile users should use their data plans instead of public Wi-Fi.
- Only shop on secure sites. Look for https (s=security) and padlock.
- Be careful when clicking on links. Make sure you are on the correct website and that you spelled the website name correctly. Signs of some spoofed websites include bad spelling and poor grammar. It is very easy for hackers to spoof legitimate websites.
- Make sure that your web browser, operating system and other software such as Adobe Flash Player are updated to the latest versions. Outdated software is more vulnerable to being compromised. Latest browser updates warn about insecure sites. For Windows computers I recommend using Patch My PC.
- Use good passwords. Make sure they are different on each site. Longer passwords are more secure. Use capital and small letters, numbers and characters. Using unique passwords is especially important as hackers are testing passwords compromised on a breached account on other accounts.
- Review your statements. Beware of small charges on your card. Hackers use them to “test” your account. Report any discrepancies to your card company.
- Beware of pop-up and other digital ads that are not from the store’s official social media page. If you have to answer questions (survey scam) or share on Facebook for a deal that is too good to be true, it’s probably not legit.
- If using a mobile device, only download and install apps from the O/S official store (Google Play, Apple iTunes, Microsoft App). Also, install a security app, and keep your apps and O/S up-to-date.
