The holiday shopping season is here, but so are cybercriminals. Phishing scams, fake websites and data breaches are on the rise, targeting shoppers and businesses alike. Is your team protected?
Keep reading to learn how to shop smart, spot scams and avoid common mistakes. Taking these small steps can help protect your data and reduce your risks.
Double Check Before You Checkout
Fraudulent websites mimic legitimate retailers to steal payment info.
Cybercriminals often dress up fake websites to look like popular retailers. If you click a single wrong button, your payment details are gone. So, before checkout:
- Verify the website URL
- Look for a padlock sign
- Shop only on trusted pages
Spot Holiday Phishing Emails
Phishing scams are often disguised as holiday deals, delivery updates or account alerts.
Did you know that phishing scams spike during the holidays?
Here’s how you can keep your inbox safe:
- Be suspicious of urgent “account alerts”
- Check the sender’s domain before clicking
- Don’t open attachments from unknown sources
- Report anything that feels off
Scammers Love a Good Sale, Too
Fake holiday deals are a common phishing tactic. Think before you click.
Online scammers are good at their game, and they know one thing for sure: excitement makes people click faster.
That “90% off” offer might sound good until your bank calls.
Secure the Season with Safe Payments
Credit cards and secure payment platforms offer better protection against threats.
Scammers are banking on your holiday purchases.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. For even greater security, use trusted payment platforms like PayPal or Apple Pay. These services add layers of encryption and reduce the exposure of your financial data.
It’s a small change that adds a big layer of protection. Shop smart, pay secure.
Public Wi-Fi Isn’t Always a Gift
Cybercriminals exploit public networks. Shop only on secure, private connections.
Free Wi-Fi isn’t always free. You might be paying with your data.
Open networks in cafes, airports or hotels are open doors for hackers. They can intercept passwords, payment info and business data without you noticing.
Protect yourself by using private connections, VPNs or your phone’s hotspot.
Stay Cyber-Safe
Whether you’re buying gifts or managing company purchases, this list helps you avoid common traps and keep your data safe.
