Cybersecurity Festive Season Tips

According to the National Retail Federation, 73% of consumers used their smartphone or tablet to research or make a purchases in the 2019 holiday season. The holidays can be a hectic time of year – buying gifts online, making travel arrangements.

Simple TIPS to protect yourself this Festive Season!

• Keep a clean machine. Before picking out that perfect gift, be sure that all internet-connected devices ‒ including PCs, smartphones and tablets ‒ are free from malware and infections

• Think before you click. Pay attention to emails you receive.

• Use secure Wi-Fi. Using free public Wi-Fi to shop online while at your favorite coffee shop is tremendously convenient, but it is not cyber safe.

• Internet Savoy. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the COVID-19 coronavirus by using online scams to extract internet users’ personal and financial information.

• Make sure your browser is current and up-to-date.

• Don't auto-save your personal information or passwords. When purchasing online, you may be given the option to save your personal information or password online for future use. Consider if the convenience is really worth the risk.

• Don't respond to pop-ups. If a window pops up promising you cash, bargains, or gift cards in exchange for answering a survey or other questions, close it.