Cyber Monday is when many people go shopping for the best deals. However, it’s also a time when cybercriminals are busy trying to steal your personal information. In this blog post, we will discuss the best practices for cybersecurity on Cyber Monday. We will provide tips for protecting your computer, passwords, and credit card information. Follow these tips, and you can shop safely on Cyber Monday!
Tips for Cybersecurity on Cyber Monday
The month of November comes with more than just Thanksgiving; it also comes with two of the busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. And, just like physical security is important in brick-and-mortar stores on Black Friday, cybersecurity should be top of mind when shopping online. Here are a few tips to keep in mind for cybersecurity on Cyber Monday:
Be Wary of Incredible Deals From Unknown Sellers
A great deal on that new gaming system or the latest must-have toy can be tempting but beware of incredible deals from unknown sellers. If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research on a seller before making a purchase, and only buy from reputable sources.
Know Where Your Sensitive Data Is Stored
Your sensitive data, such as your credit card information and passwords, should be stored in a secure location. This could be a password manager or a secure folder on your computer. When inputting your sensitive data online, make sure you are doing so on a secure website. Look for the https:// in the URL and a lock icon next to it. These indicate that the site is using SSL, which encrypts your data.
Keep Your Software Up-to-Date
One of the best cybersecurity practices you can follow is to keep your software up-to-date. This includes your operating system, web browser, plugins, and applications. Outdated software can have security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. By keeping your software up-to-date, you can patch these security vulnerabilities and make it more difficult for cybercriminals to access your sensitive data.
Only Trust Secure Sites
We briefly mentioned that when it comes to cybersecurity on Cyber Monday, you should be looking for sites that have https:// in the URL and a lock icon next to it. This is because these sites use SSL, which encrypts your data. Any site that doesn’t have https:// is not secure, and you should avoid inputting any sensitive data on that site.
Avoid Shopping Via Wifi
When shopping online, you should avoid doing so via public wifi, as this can make your data more vulnerable to attack. If you must shop on public wifi, be sure only to visit secure websites and refrain from inputting any sensitive data, as we’ve previously mentioned.
Enable 2- Step Verification
Two-step verification is an extra layer of security that can be added to your online accounts. With two-step verification enabled, you will need to input not only your password but also a code sent to your phone or email. This makes it more difficult for cybercriminals to access your account, even if they have your password.
Use a Credit Card
When cybersecurity on Cyber Monday, it’s best to use a credit card for your purchases. This is because credit cards have built-in protections, such as fraud prevention and chargebacks. Additionally, if your credit card information is compromised, you are not liable for any fraudulent charges.
Only Confirm Your Order Directly Through the Retailer’s Site
If you receive an email purporting to be from a retailer, do not click on any links or open any attachments. These could be phishing emails that contain malware. Instead, go directly to the retailer’s site and confirm your order from there to keep yourself protected with cybersecurity on Cyber Monday.
Use Digital Wallets
If you’re shopping on your phone, you can use a digital wallet, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. With these wallets, your credit card information is not stored on your phone but rather in the secure servers of the wallet provider. This adds an extra layer of security.
Set up Feedback on Your Accounts
When you make a purchase online, you should always set up feedback on your account. This way, you can be alerted if someone attempts to make a purchase with your account without your permission.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Regarding cybersecurity on Cyber Monday, in addition to setting up feedback on your accounts, you should also monitor your accounts regularly. This includes checking your credit card and bank statements for any suspicious activity. If you see anything out of the ordinary, be sure to report it to your financial institution immediately.
Increase Your Password Strength
When creating passwords for your online accounts, be sure to use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. The longer and more complex your password is, the better. You should also avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, all of your other accounts are at risk.
Use a VPN
When thinking about cybersecurity on Cyber Monday, one of the best things you can do is use a VPN. A VPN encrypts your data and hides your IP address, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to track you or steal your data.
Avoid Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are a common way for cybercriminals to steal your sensitive data. These emails purport to be from a trusted source but are actually malicious. To avoid falling victim to a phishing email, be sure to only open emails from sources you trust and never click on any links or attachments in an email unless you are absolutely sure they are safe. This is extremely important when trying to protect your cybersecurity on Cyber Monday.
Back-Up Your Data
Finally, when it comes to cybersecurity on Cyber Monday, it’s important to back up your data, both on your computer and in the cloud. This way, if you do become a victim of a cyberattack, you will not lose all of your data.
Let us Handle Your Cybersecurity on Cyber Monday
Following the tips and tricks discussed in this blog post is a great place to start when it comes to your cybersecurity on Cyber Monday. However, the best way to protect yourself is to let the experts handle it. At Businets Inc., we offer cybersecurity solutions that can help keep you safe from cyberattacks. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you.