Learn why there is an increased risk of hacking during Black Friday and Cyber Monday and how to stay safe online. Black Friday is here, and so is Cyber Monday, with all the special seasonal deals that many consumers are eager to grab! However, it seems that these days are ideal for hackers everywhere!
Unfortunately, there are many complex threats that we should be aware of, as hackers are "gathering their forces" and are ready to do whatever it takes! Does this mean that it would be better to abstain from all purchases? Well, with the incredible opportunities that can be found online, we wish you good luck if you decide to try abstinence!
The Retail Cyber Intelligence Sharing Center has tried to inform users about the upcoming dangers regarding the internet these days. They have published a report on the necessary actions that all consumers should take, in order to avoid the negative consequences associated with seasonal sales. It is worth reading this report and being informed about how hackers perceive the risks - opportunities and how they overcome them, with the ultimate goal of grabbing consumers' money.
It’s true that retailers are “on their toes” and the last thing on my mind is preventative measures. As a result, hackers have the free rein to do what they do best – steal personal information and steal money online! ThreatMetrix found a 25% increase in scams during the holiday season.
So what should you do to avoid the unpleasant surprises of Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
- Visit trusted websites. Don't trust any site you haven't heard of before, especially if you first heard of it during a promotion. Look for HTTPS in the address bar, as it's a strong sign of security.
- Allow encryption, as this can help prevent your personal information from being stolen. A VPN is a reliable method of using encryption for your web browsing and financial transactions.
- Don't click on email links, even if they try to convince you to buy something for half price, or even less! These links are more likely to redirect you to unsafe sites.
- Do not share your credit card credentials with anyone! Not even with your loved ones! Even more so, do not send them via email or private message on Facebook or other social media. This is a surefire path to disaster!
- Avoid connecting via Wi-Fi when shopping online, as public internet connections carry many risks and threats. Instead, opt for a private Internet connection that you know is secure and preferably encrypted.
- Mobile devices are more vulnerable to being hacked and provide a breeding ground for hackers. Think about it as you browse an e-shop on your small mobile screen and struggle to read product descriptions.
[alert variation=”alert-success”]Enjoy Black Friday & Cyber Monday, taking full advantage of the special, limited holiday deals! But never forget your safety, as it comes first and we should never forget it![/alert]
