The holiday season is here, and with it comes the excitement of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While these online shopping events make scoring deals convenient, they also increase the risk of cyber threats. To ensure your safety, Augusta University’s Information Technology and SIEGE CyberOps teams encourage everyone to follow these essential cybersecurity tips:

Verify website security

Always ensure any website URL you visit starts with “https” before entering any personal information. Be cautious of misspellings or unusual domain names, as typo squatting (using slightly misspelled URLs to create fake websites) is a common tactic used by cybercriminals.

Shop from trusted retailers

Stick to well-known, reputable websites to minimize the risk of scams. Avoid clicking on pop-ups with unrealistic deals, and always use secure payment methods. Use strong, unique passwords for each site, and never reuse passwords.

Be wary of phishing emails

The holiday season brings a flood of promotional emails, some of which may be phishing attempts. Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments, especially if the deals seem too good to be true.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi

Only shop from a secure network and avoid using public Wi-Fi, which can expose you to cyber risks. Stick to your home network and keep your devices and software up to date to protect against vulnerabilities.

Enable MFA

If a website offers multifactor authentication, it’s recommended to enable it.

Protect your card info

Don’t store your credit or debit card information on websites to minimize the risk of exposure in a data breach.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the convenience of online shopping without compromising your cybersecurity. Stay safe and vigilant while shopping this holiday season.