14 Dec 7 ways to strengthen your online security for shopping during the holidays.
Increased online shopping and a high volume of online transactions attract cyber criminals who are always on the lookout for important user information. Here are a few tips to stay safe while enjoying the convenience of shopping at your comfort this festive season.
- Check your card statement and bank statements often to very activities.
If you often ignore your bank alerts then this season is not the best time to do so. Pay attention to messages sent via SMS and e-mail to ensure that there is no extra activity on your account aside the ones carried out by you.
- Protect your account details from “wondering eyes”
Information such as your card and other account details should not be made available so easily. Make sure you are transacting on a trusted site whenever you purchase online or send and receive money online. Common vendors include Venmo, Google Wallet, PayPal, and Amazon Payments. In the event that these services are compromised, only the transaction will be affected. The credit and debit cards, or account info, remains protected. Also, Set up “push” rather than “pull” payments. When paying for a service, the linked funding source will “push” a payment to a vendor, rather than having the vendor “pull” funds from the account. This gives you greater control when transferring funds, and alerts you to any potentially fraudulent activity.
- Be cautious of your inbox.
Be selective on opening strange e-mails with pictures as they may contain malware. Only open attachments from known senders, and scan for viruses if possible. Do not click on unknown links, and do not respond to unsolicited e-mails.
- Avoid filling out e-mail message forms or forms on sites you rarely visit that ask for personal information.
- Beware of SMS phishing, even from brands you may be familiar with; they may be fraudulent.
- Research about brands from their main websites rather than following potentially compromised e-mail links. Cautiously and frequently crosscheck contact information you receive e-mail from your bank or other companies you deal with. Verify any requests for personal information by contacting them through the information on their official website. If you are requested to act quickly, or there is an emergency, it may be a scam. Fraudsters often like to create a sense of urgency.
- Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Don’t want to leave your security to chance? We have the right protection for you from cyber attacks. Reach out to us now and start the holiday season off right!