Online Holiday Shopping: Six Ways to be Cyber-Aware

Online shopping has become very easy and fun to do, especially for the holidays. With the holidays approaching, it’s a good time to start thinking about your online shopping and digital holiday invitations. During the months of November and December, it’s vital to ensure you are shopping safely and protecting your personal information. Follow these six tips to guard and secure your information while shopping online.

Shop from Secure and Reputable Websites 

Stick to well-known websites and trusted retailers. Always look for secure URLs that begin with “https://” and display a padlock icon in the address bar. This ensures that websites encrypt your personal data.

Phishing Attempts 

Be cautious about emails, pop-up ads, or other messages asking for sensitive information. Keep an eye out for text messages or emails claiming a package you shipped, or are expecting, needs missing information. Links are often attached to these alerts. Look for misspellings of “USPS”, “UPS”, “FedEx”, “Amazon” or extra dashes between letters in the sender’s email address or links. For questions or concerns about your package, call or visit the postal or shipping services.

Use Strong and Unique Passwords 

Strong passwords should be a requirement for all of your online accounts. Use upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.

Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks 

DO NOT make online purchases on public Wi-Fi networks. If public Wi-Fi is your only opinion, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt and protect your data. VPN protects your information from being stolen, it keeps you anonymous.

Enable 2-Factor Authentication Whenever Possible

Two-factor authentication involves providing a second form of authentication. This adds another layer of security to your online accounts. Check your account settings to find out if you are able to enable two-factor authentication protection.

Trust Your Instincts 

Ultimately, your judgment is the best to go on. If a deal looks suspicious, or it’s too good to be true, avoid it.

This season is a time to relax and celebrate! Remembering to prioritize your online safety and learn how to better navigate online shopping makes it easier to relax and enjoy the holidays. Share these tips with your loved ones, so they can stay safe and vigilant during this holiday season. Happy holidays from OneNet!

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

2024 is coming to a close! Take time to review our 10 cybersecurity resolutions from the first of the year.