Cybersecurity Tip of the Week – Holiday Shopping

How did it get to be the middle of November already? Have you started your holiday shopping yet? Feeling just a little bit panicked? Unfortunately, this time of year is when scammers will attempt to lure you into clicking on links for "too good to be true" deals, visiting unsecured websites, and stealing your hard-earned money. Here are some tips for staying safe while shopping online.

• Shop on Secure Websites: Look for URLs that start with "https://". However, know that scammers will build websites that have these security features, so don't just stop here!
• Use Strong Passwords: Create unique, strong passwords for your shopping accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi: Refrain from making purchases over public Wi-Fi networks, which can be less secure. If necessary, use a VPN to encrypt your connection.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements and credit card activity for any unauthorized transactions.
• Be Wary of Deals Too Good to Be True: Scammers often lure shoppers with unbelievable offers. Stick to reputable retailers and verify deals before purchasing.

The Office of Cybersecurity has a Holiday Scam webpage to advise you on the latest holiday scams to be cautious about.

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