Online Holiday Shopping; A Gift to Cyber Thieves

Great online shopping sales are in gear for the holidays! It’s a bargain bonanza of deals, just waiting for consumers to take advantage of incredible prices and spectacular sales; some deals available for internet shoppers only. It’s also that time of year when cyber thieves take advantage of that increase in online shopping making it a holiday for them as well. Instead of shopping for great deals, they’re shopping for consumers who are vulnerable to attacks. Sad but true, there are always online shoppers who leave themselves open to theft. Many holiday celebrations are ruined, along with empty bank accounts and credit disasters.

There are ways to minimize online shopping tragedies. Other than going directly to a store (which isn’t 100% safe either), following steps to safer holiday shopping are recommended year-round.

Keep your device up-to-date

Make sure your software, particularly your browser, has the latest and greatest updates. Any “soft spot” may easily lead to an appealing target for cyber thieves. Your security software should also be updated, making sure it is from a reputable source. Some bogus security software actually infects devices with malware, leaving consumers wondering how their device got infected. So do the research and find a product that works for you. Read the reviews. If something is amiss, it will likely be noted in those.

Use secure methods for payment

Believe it or not, credit cards over debit cards are a great defense against cyber thieves. If possible, limit how you pay for all those wares by using only one credit card for shopping. Debit cards can be risky. If the thief gets the associated PIN, they can copy the card and empty your account before you know it.

Credit card companies often offer a limited financial responsibility for users, greatly reducing the damage you’re responsible for should your credit card information be pilfered. Also, it’s easier to follow spending for one credit card, as opposed to using several.

Watch out for spectacular deals

While it is really what we want, be wary of incredible prices and offers. The thieves know these deals can be irresistible to shoppers. They set the trap, and many consumers take the bait. Emails and links received from unknown sources and stores should be deleted immediately. If you didn’t sign up for the store’s mailing list, mark the message as spam and don’t even read it. It’s a jungle of offers out there and consumers need to be wary of the lures cyber thieves use when they go phishing for victims.

The safest shopper is the one using common sense and practical approaches to cyber safety. Becoming educated about the latest and greatest security means securing your device too, which may the best defense. Cyber thieves stop at very little to achieve success. They will, however, abandon an effort against a secure shopper. There are plenty of other shoppers leaving themselves a ripe target.  If they are easier to get to than you are, the thief will move on. Peace of mind knowing you did the best you can to protect your money and information may end up being the best gift of all.