Be Merry, Bright and Cyber-Aware This Holiday Shopping Season

The most exciting time of the year for shoppers is approaching—holiday shopping season! We all know how fun it is to visit alluring websites advertised on social media, receive discount deals via email, and share our new purchases online.

Online shopping has become super convenient, especially around the holidays. What’s better than shopping in the comfort of your home? While it is tempting to get swept up in the excitement, remember to practice online safety and keep your personal information secure. While holidays can be the most exciting time of the year, they can also be the riskiest.

Follow these cyber-aware tips and enjoy secure online holiday shopping.

Be Careful of Suspicious Links and Where You Click

If you receive an email that you’re unsure of, avoid clicking on any links included or opening any attachments. It’s best to avoid opening untrusted emails at all. If you’re unsure whether an email is legitimate, consult the source directly. For example, if you receive an email from your bank that seems suspicious, call your bank directly to verify the email.

Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks

Diners and cafes are especially nice around the holiday season, with all the new drinks, pastries, and festivities. For many, the real perk is the free Wi-Fi and being able to do all your holiday

shopping with a hot drink and a cozy atmosphere can be tempting. However, when you go online in a public place and use a public Wi-Fi connection, you have no direct control over its security, which can leave you vulnerable to cyberattacks. This can put your personal information, such as individual transactions, credit card details, addresses, and phone numbers, at risk.

Using public Wi-Fi can sometimes be unavoidable. Ask café or diner staff for access to their private Wi-Fi or use a VPN—Virtual Private Network—to protect your data.

Shop from Secure and Reputable Websites

With the rise of social media shops and clothing pages, shopping has never been so accessible. However, these pages can put users at risk of hacking, viruses, and scams. Try to stick to well-known websites and trusted retailers. If new, untraditional sites tempt you, ensure they have secure URLs that begin with “https://” and display a padlock icon in the address bar. Also, look for other trusted signals, such as:

● Images that are not pixelated and fit the screen’s width correctly.

● Text that is free from spelling and grammar mistakes—reputable brands will make an effort to ensure their websites are well-written and proofread.

● Accepted standards of online payments—legitimate e-commerce websites will use credit or debit card portals. If a website uses a digital money transfer method other than a standard payment method to accept payments, it is likely fraudulent.

Double-Check Online Information

Deals and discounts can seem too good to be true, and at times, they’re exactly that—too good to be true. In an era of discounts and flash sales, buyers must exercise caution when encountering enticing offers. The allure of significantly discounted items can often mask the underlying risk of dealing with malicious sellers. Think twice before clicking on any deals you might come across online. Double-check the site being advertised and ensure it’s coming from a reputable source.

This holiday season, let your shopping experience be merry, bright, and secure. By staying alert and following these cyber-aware practices, you can enjoy the excitement of finding the perfect gifts without putting your personal information at risk. Remember, protecting your online safety is just as important as finding the best deals. Shop smart, stay secure, and make this holiday season both joyful and cyber-safe.

Learn more about online holiday tips with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) tip sheets.