Safe Shopping Over the Holidays
As the holiday season rolls around, millions of Americans will be looking online for the best deals as they search for gifts. However, amidst the festivities, shoppers are often oblivious to risks that could lead to digital scams as well as attacks.
Hackers will use a variety of methods to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers, such as fake websites and emails designed to imitate those from well-known retailers. These scams, known as phishing attacks, will trick consumers to divulge sensitive information such as logins, addresses, or credit card information, with the goal of stealing money and identities.
This may sound scary, but you can take a few easy steps to ensure you stay safe while shopping online. First of all, to avoid these scams, shopping from trusted sources is important. While shopping, look for HTTPS encryption and make sure you are shopping from a reputable vendor.
Before you place your order, make sure your accounts have strong passwords to protect your personal information. In addition, make sure to use two-factor authentication, which is a second layer of protection, requiring a code or biometric in addition to your password. This means that even if hackers get ahold of your password, they can’t access your accounts. When you check out, make sure you use a secure payment method and avoid sending sensitive information on suspicious websites.
While the internet offers convenience, it exposes consumers risks such as scams and phishing attacks. With hackers developing more sophisticated methods to take your information, it’s crucial to arm yourself with knowledge and take precautionary measures to protect yourself from risks. By exercising caution and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to scammers during the holiday shopping rush.
Written By: Jayden Tu
