Shopping is part of the festive season that most of us either can’t avoid or can’t get enough of!
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are great opportunities to score some bargains. But they’re also prime time for cybercriminals looking to take advantage of shoppers.
Our handy guide is here to help make your online shopping safer and more secure.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday scams
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are a big deal for shoppers. But unfortunately, this makes them prime targets for cyber-attacks.
Some common threats include:
- Phishing scams: fake emails or websites designed to steal your personal information.
- Fake shopping sites: fake websites that mimic real retailers to trick you.
- Malware and spyware: malicious software that can steal sensitive data or track your online activity.
- Identity theft: criminals using your personal information for fraudulent activities.
How to stay safe when shopping online
The good news is there’s a lot you can do to fend off cybercriminals and keep yourself safe online.
Shop on secure websites
Make sure the website you’re shopping on is secure. Look for URLs that begin with ’https://’ and a padlock icon in the address bar.
That tells you that the site uses encryption to protect your browser’s connection to it. This means your data is coded so it can’t be read and used by anyone.
If you get a message saying something like ‘There’s a problem with this website’s security certificate’, don’t go any further – this could be dangerous. It’s safer to try a different website.
However, the padlock icon doesn’t guarantee a website is safe to visit. It only means that data sent between your browser and the website is encrypted.
Cybercriminals can still access and exploit these sites, so you should still use all the other security measures we’ve listed here.
Malicious websites can also easily get a padlock security certificate! Use this padlock symbol as a starting point, not a sign that the entire site is safe.
Use strong, unique passwords
Create complex passwords for your online accounts. Avoid using the same password on multiple sites.
A password manager can help you manage and come up with strong passwords.
To make your password stronger, combine three random words to create a password (for example, ‘applecarbiro’).
You should also think about using separate passwords for really sensitive online accounts, like those you have for banking.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
Whenever you can, turn on two-factor authentication on your online shopping accounts. This adds an extra layer of security because you need to confirm it’s you signing in on another device and account first.
This adds an extra layer of security by asking for a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone.
Have a cybersecurity ‘safe word’
Cybercriminals are getting smarter. With AI, they can now impersonate you through text messages, emails, and even phone calls.
By setting up a safe word with your friends and family, you can help them to protect themselves against scammers trying to impersonate you.
They can simply ask whoever’s on the phone to say the safe word you’ve agreed on. If they don’t know it, it isn’t really you!
Beware of phishing scams
Be careful of emails or messages offering deals that seem too good to be true.
Check the sender’s email address and don't click on any suspicious links. Go directly to the retailer’s website to see the offer instead.
Use more secure payment methods
Use credit cards instead of debit cards when shopping online. Credit cards usually have better protection from fraud. This doesn’t guarantee safety, but does boost it a bit.
Think about using services like PayPal when buying things online. These add an extra layer of security between your bank account and the retailer.
Some payment methods should be seen as red flags. If a website only accepts wire transfer, cryptocurrency or cheque, be very cautious.
Keep your devices updated
We know updates can be a real pain, especially when we’re busy using our devices. But these updates are there to help your tech work better and boost security.
Make sure your computer, smartphone and other devices have the latest security updates.
Install and update security software
Use reliable antivirus and anti-malware software to protect your devices. Make sure it’s updated regularly to defend against the latest threats.
Check your statements regularly
Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious payments.
Report any suspicious activity straight away to stop it from happening again.
Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure, making it easier for hackers to take your data.
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) if you need to shop while connected to public Wi-Fi.
Be cautious with personal information
Only give the necessary information when you’re buying something online.
Be wary of any site that asks for a lot of your personal details.
How to recognise fake e-commerce sites
Fake websites can be difficult to spot, but here’s a few things to watch out for:
- Look for spelling mistakes or extra characters in the website’s URL.
- Search for customer reviews and ratings of the site – a lack of reviews or lots of negative reviews is a bad sign.
Trusted sites will have contact information, like a phone number and physical address. Test the customer service by calling or emailing them.
How to protect your personal information
Your personal information is valuable, and you should look after it! Here are some extra steps to protect it:
- Limit what you share: Be mindful of the information you share online. Avoid posting any sensitive details on social media.
- Use a virtual credit card: Some banks offer virtual credit cards that can be used for online orders. These cards have unique numbers and can be set with spending limits to add an extra layer of security.
- Keep an eye on your credit report: Check your credit report monthly for any unusual activity. If you spot something suspicious, let your bank know straight away.
A little caution goes a long way in protecting your personal information.
Check out our handy online safety guide to protect yourself year-round.
We’ve also got some great resources on scams and fraud if you want to learn even more.
Stay safe, shop smart, and enjoy yourself during the festive season!
Admiral’s Personal Cyber and Identity Theft Helpline
If you have Platinum Home Insurance or Family Legal Protection as an add on with us, you have access to a 24/7 Personal cyber and identity theft helpline.
This offers you support and advice if you’ve fallen victim to cybercrime, including if you’ve had your identity stolen or been extorted. You can also call this line for advice even if an incident hasn’t happened.
This can help with:
- identity theft
- fraudulent fund transfer
- cyber extortion
- financial loss
- breach of personal information
- cyber bullying
If you've experienced cybercrime, you can call our support service for help. One of our agents will work with you to see what’s happened, contain the damage, and discuss your next steps.
Getting in touch with us won't affect your policy and you won't have to pay an excess.
They can help with:
- documenting evidence or filling out reports
- liaising with your bank or authorities
- securing accounts and helping with password changes
- working out if data back-ups are available
They'll also give you some advice on how to protect yourself online in the future.
Our helpline is always open, except for December 25th and January 1st.
To see if you have access to it, check your cover in MyAccount.
Head to the Legal Depot for more resources on cybersecurity and privacy.
