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On the internet, every day can be Cyber Monday so be sure to practice safe online shopping.

Credit: DefenseTalk

Now that the long Thanksgiving weekend is over, thoughts turn from football and turkey to shopping and gifts.  More people are doing their shopping online, but there are risks involved.  Criminals can use a variety of means to steal important information from unsuspecting internet users.  Here are some simple security tips that you can use to secure yourself:

  • Keep a clean machine.  Make sure you have updated all your devices with up-to-date security software and patches.  A lot of legitimate websites don’t know they are hosting malicious code, which puts your system at risk of infection.
  • Think before you act. Got a great deal via email, tweet, posts or online advertising? If it’s suspicious, even if you know the source, delete or junk it. If you don’t know, don’t click on the link – instead, go directly to the site and look for the deal there.
  • Make sure the site is legitimate before you pay.  Look for a closed padlock in the address bar or the URL, and ensure it has HTTPS or SHHTP in the URL, before you enter your credit card or private information.
  • Use safe payment options.  Credit cards, PayPal (or similar) are your best option over debit cards. Note that some banks will not cover debit card transactions if there is a problem with the purchase, or fraud, on your debit card.
  • Protect your personal information. Understand what kind of information is being collected and how the merchant will use it. While it may not stop you from purchasing, you may be able to reduce spam or unwanted emails and texts.
  • Use strong passwords. If you create an account for an online merchant, don’t reuse the same passwords.  Never share your passwords with others.
  • Store your passwords by using a password vault program  from a trusted source (e.g. Microsoft, Symantec, Apple which usually have them pre-installed, or download and use KeePass or PasswordSafe programs)
  • Be careful about Wi-Fi Hotspots.  Don’t share personal or financial information over an unsecured network connection (if a password isn’t required, it’s not secure). Using direct web access over the phone (3G/4G) is safer than an unsecure wireless network when on your mobile device.
  • Keep a paper trail.  Print or save your online transaction records, this way you’ll know you got and paid for, what you ordered. Check the receipt against your credit card statement.

And always remember to practice safe online shopping!