Consumers spent almost $1.5 billion dollars last year on Cyber Monday, and industry experts reported sales this year were up by as much as 19 percent. Unfortunately, coupled with the online shopping boom is an increase in the amount and severity of online scamming and data theft. The Corporate Information Security Office offers the following tips to employees and their families for secure online shopping:
n Ensure a site is safe. When entering financial information, make sure the URL begins with “https” as opposed to “http.” Or, make sure the site has an image of a lock in the browser’s search bar.
n Use a secure connection. Online financial transactions should take place only through a secure, private Wi-Fi connection rather than more vulnerable free Wi-Fi options often available at retail or public locations.
n Don’t click on pop-up ads as they pose one of the most serious threats to online shoppers. Add browser extensions and security apps to block pop-ups and malware.
n Keep software up-to-date. Install antivirus and anti-spyware software.
n Use strong passwords. Don’t include birthdays, family or pet names, or variations of “1234.”
n Avoid clicking on email advertisements. Always enter the merchant’s URL in a Web browser.
n Shop only at trusted companies. Before buying from merchants on Amazon, Etsy or Ebay, check their ratings and sales. Make sure the company has good return policies and clearly posted contact information.
n Don’t use debit cards. Credit cards have better security protections.
n Be wary of websites promoting fake charities, which appear most often during the holidays and following disasters.
n Check the location and privacy settings on mobile devices, which can broadcast your location and may place you and your home at risk.
Finally, check your financial statements frequently. Look for minor charges or fees, which hackers may add, hoping you won’t notice.
— Corporate Information Security Office,
Chief Information Officer, 12-26-13
