Black Friday and Cyber Monday are here. Customers are looking for deals and discounts, but before you shop, make sure to take note of these tips to help keep your personal and financial information safe.
Phishing attacks
Phishing is a prevalent threat during the holiday season. Cybercriminals send deceptive emails, messages, or advertisements mimicking legitimate retailers, attracting users to click on malicious links or provide personal information.
You must be cautious of unsolicited emails, verify the legitimacy of emails before clicking on links, and avoid providing personal information through unsecured channels.
Fake websites and apps
Cybercriminals create fake websites or mobile apps that imitate popular retailers. These sites may offer fake deals to lure users into making purchases or providing sensitive information. Make sure to only shop from well-known and reputable websites.
In order to ensure the legitimacy of the site, double-check the website’s URL for accuracy, and use official retailer apps downloaded from reliable app stores.
Ransomware attacks
Ransomware attacks involve malicious software that encrypts a user’s files or system, with cybercriminals demanding a ransom for their release. During peak shopping seasons, attackers may target online retailers and shoppers alike.
Regularly back up your data, use reputable security software and be cautious about downloading files or clicking on links from unknown sources.
Credential stuffing
Cybercriminals use stolen usernames and password combinations from other breaches to gain unauthorized access to user accounts on various platforms. With the reuse of passwords, attackers attempt to compromise accounts during high-traffic periods.
Use unique passwords for each online account, enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and regularly update passwords.
Distributed denial of service (DDOS) attacks
DDoS attacks involve overwhelming a website’s servers with traffic, causing it to become slow or unavailable. Cybercriminals may use DDoS attacks to disrupt online retailers during peak shopping times.
Online retailers should invest in DDoS protection services to mitigate the impact of such attacks. Shoppers can use alternative payment methods if a website appears to be under attack.
Malicious advertisements (Malvertising)
Malvertising involves cybercriminals placing malicious code in online advertisements. Clicking on these ads may lead to the download of malware or redirection to phishing sites.
Be cautious when clicking on online ads, especially if they seem too good to be true. Use ad blockers and keep security software up to date.
Unsecured Wi-Fi threats
Using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, especially in public places, can expose users to various cyber threats, including man-in-the-middle attacks, where attackers intercept communication between users and websites.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. If necessary, use a virtual private network (VPN) for a secure connection.
Social engineering attacks
Cybercriminals use social engineering techniques to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information. This can include fake customer support calls, phishing calls, or impersonation attempts.
Verify the legitimacy of communication channels, be skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages, and avoid sharing personal information over the phone unless you initiated the contact.
Stay alert and adhere to these cyber safety tips for added protection during Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping.
Image Credits : Spiceworks
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