10 Tips To Keep You And Your Business Safe While Shopping Online

As the clock winds down to get those last-minute gifts, many are eager to snag the best deals online, especially with unpredictable weather and cold and flu season looming. However, cybercriminals are also gearing up to take advantage of unsuspecting shoppers. Here are 10 tips to help you stay safe while shopping online, protecting your business and personal financial information from exploitation.

1. Shop on Trusted Websites
Stick to well-known and trusted online retailers. If you’re unsure about a website, do some research and read reviews from other customers. Look for websites with URLs that start with “https://” and the lock symbol to ensure a secure connection. During the holiday season, fraudulent sites often mimic official brand pages, offering enticing discounts to lure consumers, such as a scam involving *fake iPhone deals, where shoppers were tricked into purchasing from a bogus site that looked remarkably like the official retailer’s page. There is also a phishing scam using a McAfee email where they trick you into clicking a link that will cause you to lose access to your email account along with all of its sensitive content. The victims were ultimately left with an empty hand and an empty bank account.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Reusing passwords across multiple sites is a bad idea. Create unique, complex passwords for each retailer, and consider using a password manager to keep them secure and easy to access. This reduces the risk of your account being hacked if one of the websites is compromised.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Whenever possible, activate two-factor authentication for extra security. This requires an additional verification step, like a text message or authentication app code, alongside your regular password, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

4. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams
Watch out for emails or messages that ask for personal information or direct you to suspicious links. Always verify the sender’s identity before clicking any links or providing information. If you receive an unsolicited message, it’s safer to navigate to the retailer’s website manually rather than following a link.

5. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Stay vigilant by regularly checking your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. If you spot something suspicious, report it to your financial institution immediately. Setting up alerts can also help you track account activity and catch potential fraud early.

6. Use Secure Payment Methods
Opt for credit cards or secure payment services like PayPal when shopping online. These methods offer better protection against fraud than debit cards, and they usually come with buyer protection. Avoid wiring money or using direct bank transfers for purchases, as these offer little recourse if something goes wrong.

7. Protect Your Devices
Make sure your computer, smartphone, and other devices are equipped with up-to-date antivirus software and security patches. This helps protect against malware and ensures that your online shopping activities remain secure.

8. Be Careful with Public WiFi
Avoid entering sensitive information or making purchases while connected to public WiFi networks, as these are often unsecured and vulnerable to cyberattacks. If you must use public WiFi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and protect your data from prying eyes.

9. Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers
Deals that seem too good to be true often are. Be cautious of websites offering unbelievable discounts on high-demand items. These could be scams designed to trick you into buying counterfeit or non-existent products.

10. Don’t Use Work Devices for Personal Shopping
Avoid using your work computer or mobile device for personal purchases. Doing so increases the risk of security breaches, privacy violations, and potential legal or compliance issues. Additionally, it exposes both your personal and company data to potential threats.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a safer, more secure online shopping experience during this busy season and protect yourself from cybercriminals looking to take advantage of holiday shoppers.

At Corporate Technologies Group, we know all too well that while you’re busy decking the halls and snagging holiday deals, cybercriminals are plotting to make your network their next target. Don’t let hackers ruin your holiday cheer—CTG has your back with cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions and network services that keep your data safe and sound.

From advanced threat detection to network evaluations, we make sure your systems stay off the naughty list. And because even the best tech needs human backup, our cybersecurity awareness training can equip your team to spot phishing scams, dodge malware, and set strong passwords to help your business stay vigilant against cyber-Grinches looking to steal your joy (and your data).

Give yourself the gift of peace of mind this holiday season. Call 330-655-8448, email us at info@ctgusa.net, or visit ctgusa.net to see how we can help. And don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn—because staying informed is the best way to sleigh cyber threats.

*Disclaimer: Corporate Technologies Group (CTG) is not affiliated with Apple Inc., apple.com, or McAfee Inc. Any links to Apple’s website are provided solely for informational purposes, and CTG does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of the content on external websites. Use of Apple’s website is subject to their terms and policies.