'Tis the season for online shopping, and while UHD Gators are on the hunt for the best deals, cybercriminals are also prowling the web, targeting unsuspecting shoppers. According to recent surveys, 76% of U.S. consumers plan to do at least half of their holiday shopping online. Unfortunately, this creates the perfect opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerable shoppers. The good news? Many cyber threats are preventable when you take simple steps to protect your personal information and secure your devices.
To help our community shop safely this holiday season, UHS Information Security put together essential tips for protecting yourself from cybercrime while shopping online. Check out the tips below and stay one step ahead of the scammers. Happy holidays and safe shopping!
Shop Reliable Websites
If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Don’t be fooled by great discounts offered on less-than-reputable websites or by fake companies. Use the sites of retailers you know and trust. Access known online retailer websites by typing a trusted web address into your browser rather than clicking a link.
Beware of Seasonal Scams
Fake package tracking emails, fake e-cards, fake charity donation scams, and emails requesting that you confirm purchase information are particularly common during this time of year. Fake communications can be in the form of text messages or email.
Do Your Research
When considering a new online company for a holiday purchase, read reviews and see if other customers have had positive or negative experiences with them. Also, verify that the website has a legitimate mailing address and a phone number for sales or support-related questions. If the site looks suspicious, call and speak to a human.
Protect Your Passwords
Make them long and strong, and never reveal them to anyone. Do not reuse your university password on any other accounts (personal email, social media, banking). Every account should have a unique password, and make sure you change your password immediately if you suspect your account is compromised.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication Wherever Possible
If you get an authentication request that you did not initiate, deny the request and review your account for unusual activity.
Pay With a Credit Card
Debit cards may not have the same level of protection against fraudulent charges.
Check Your Card and Bank Statements Regularly
Unusual activity is often the first indicator that your account information or identity has been stolen. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately. Enable alerts on your financial accounts to help monitor activity.
Keep Devices Secure.
Regularly update computers and mobile devices with current operating system versions and software updates. This includes devices you may use at home such as wireless routers, webcams, etc. Make sure anti-virus/anti-spyware software is installed, running, and receiving automatic updates.
Only use Secure Wi-Fi
While using public Wi-Fi is sometimes necessary, it is most likely not secure. Online shopping or accessing important accounts (like banking) should only be done using a secure Wi-Fi connection.
UHS Information Security is available 24/7 to monitor and respond to time-sensitive issues. They can be reached at security@uhd.edu or via phone at 832-842-4695.