Online Shopping 101: Top Tips for a Safe Holiday Buying Experience – Hood County News

By MICKY SHEARON Special to the Hood County News

With the holiday season quickly approaching, shoppers are already scouring the web for deals on gifts, decorations, and festive items. According to data from recent years, a significant portion of holiday shopping now happens online. In 2022, for example, about 57% of holiday purchases were made online, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. The convenience and variety of e-commerce are hard to beat, but online shopping comes with risks. Cybercriminals are especially active during the holidays, taking advantage of increased online transactions to attempt identity theft, fraud, and other scams.

To keep your personal and financial information safe, it’s essential to be aware of best practices for secure online shopping. Here are the top ten ways to protect yourself this holiday season.

1. Shop on Secure Websites Only

A simple but effective tip is to verify the security of any website before making a purchase. Look for “https://” at the beginning of the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar—this indicates that the site uses SSL encryption to protect your information. Avoid making purchases on sites that start with “http://” as these lack the encryption necessary to keep your data secure.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Your passwords are often the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Using weak or reused passwords increases the risk of someone accessing your account information. Create strong passwords by combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using obvious words, dates, or easy-to-guess information. For added security, use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each online account.

3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring not just a password but also a second form of identification, like a text code or app verification, to access your accounts. Many major retailers and financial institutions offer 2FA. Enable it wherever possible to make it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts, even if they manage to steal your password.

4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Financial Transactions

Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure, making it easy for cybercriminals to intercept data. Avoid shopping online or accessing sensitive accounts when connected to public Wi-Fi. If you must shop on the go, use a personal hotspot or a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection, keeping your data secure even when you’re not on a private network.

5. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams

Phishing attacks typically increase around the holidays, with scammers sending fake emails and texts that look like they’re from legitimate retailers, delivery services, or banks. These messages often contain links that, if clicked, lead to malicious websites designed to steal your personal information. To protect yourself, avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts. Instead, visit the retailer’s official website directly by typing the URL into your browser.

6. Check Your Bank and Credit Card Statements Regularly

Keeping a close eye on your bank and credit card statements can help you catch unauthorized charges early. Many financial institutions now offer mobile apps with real-time alerts for transactions, making it easier than ever to monitor your account activity. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to your bank or credit card company immediately.

7. Use Credit Cards Instead of Debit Cards

When shopping online, it’s generally safer to use a credit card rather than a debit card. Credit cards often offer better fraud protection, and in most cases, you’re not liable for unauthorized purchases. Additionally, with a credit card, the money is not taken directly from your bank account, reducing the immediate impact if your information is compromised.

8. Update Software and Enable Security Features

Keeping your devices updated is a crucial yet often overlooked part of online security. Software updates frequently contain patches for vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. Make sure to keep your operating system, browser, antivirus, and any shopping apps up-to-date. Enable automatic updates when possible, to ensure you’re always protected with the latest security features.

9. Research New Retailers Before Buying

While the holiday season brings about exciting new retailers and limited-time sales, be cautious when shopping with unfamiliar companies. Do some research to check for reviews, BBB accreditation, or complaints from other customers. Look for clear contact information, including a phone number and physical address. If you can’t verify the retailer’s credibility, it’s best to shop elsewhere to reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud.

10. Limit the Personal Information You Share

Legitimate retailers generally don’t ask for excessive personal information beyond what’s necessary for a purchase. If a website asks for your Social Security number or other sensitive data, consider it a red flag. Only provide the required details to complete your order, and if possible, check out as a guest to avoid creating new accounts with your data. Some retailers even offer anonymous checkouts, allowing you to shop with greater privacy.

Wrapping Up: Stay Vigilant for a Safer Shopping Season

As more people embrace online shopping for holiday purchases, the need for cybersecurity awareness becomes even more pressing. By taking these precautions, you can shop with confidence, knowing your personal and financial information is well-protected. Just remember that while technology offers tools to enhance security, vigilance and caution are crucial to staying safe from cyber threats. With these ten tips, you’ll be prepared to navigate the holiday shopping season safely and securely.

micky@hcnews.com