During the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales period, online shoppers have the chance to grab some great deals. While it's perfectly normal to feel excited about these offers, it's equally important to know how to shop safely. With internet traffic surging as millions of people head online, cybercriminals often take advantage of the chaos of hiding malicious sites among legitimate bargains.
Fortunately, Concorde has your back. Below are some of our tips for staying safe while shopping this sale season:
1) Double-check the links you click
In just seconds, you can go from scoring a great deal to facing a serious cyber threat. Sometimes, all it takes is clicking the wrong link to become infected with malware. Always inspect links careful and ensure the site has a valid SSL certification before entering any information.
2) Use unique passwords for every site
Using different passwords across sites helps protect your information if one retailer turns out to be unsafe. When you reuse passwords, single breach could give hackers to all your online accounts.
3) Use a secure device and a secure connection
Without antivirus protection, your computer or phone is far more vulnerable to malware. Unprotected devices risk exposing your personal data, including sensitive information that could be used for fraud. Keep your software and operating systems fully updated so you benefit from the latest security patches.
4) If it seems 'too good to be true' it probably is
Cybercriminals often create fake websites, emails, text messages and pop-ups designed to steal your money or personal data. Stay alert and avoid deals that look suspicious or unrealistic.
We hope these tips help you stay safe online this shopping season, whether you're browsing during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or throughout the Christmas period. As a company specialising in cybersecurity, we're committed to helping keep everyone protected online.