The holidays are upon us, and in the excitement of the season, it can be easy to forget about cybersecurity. Here are a few tips to help you do your online shopping more safely and securely, and keep you in the holiday spirit!
- Before searching for that perfect gift, be sure that all web-connected devices – including personal computers, mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets – are free from spyware by running only the most current versions of software and apps. UPDATE your devices on a regular basis!
- Try to do your online gift purchasing through a site that you are familiar with and TRUST.
- When using a new website for your holiday purchases, READ reviews and see if other customers have had a positive or negative experience with the site.
- LIMIT the type of business you conduct over open public WiFi connections, including logging in to key accounts, such as email and banking, while at a coffee shop or public facility.
- ALWAYS have your mobile phone or other device set to require an access password.
- Links in emails, posts and texts are often the ways cybercriminals try to steal your information or infect your devices. NEVER open a link unless it is from a trusted source. When in doubt – don’t.
- Personal information is like money: value it and PROTECT it: When making a purchase online, be alert to the kinds of information being collected to complete the transaction. Remember that you only need to fill out required fields at checkout. If you do not feel comfortable, cancel the checkout process.
| As always, APC will never ask you to provide confidential account information by email. Additionally, it is our policy to confirm by phone with you any money transfer requests that we receive by email. If you ever have any questions regarding an email you’ve received from us please give us a call! |
Additional resources from www.staysafeonline.org for staying safe and secure while shopping online during the holidays:
- The Department of Homeland Security’s Stop.Think.Connect. campaign encourages shoppers to take special precautions when shopping and banking online.
Click here for more information.
- The Better Business Bureau’s “Holiday Helper” offers advice for smart holiday shopping –
Click here for more information.
