Five Tips to Keep You Safe on Cyber Monday

While Cyber Monday offers great deals, it also poses a risk of getting hacked or scammed. As a smart shopper, it's important to take precautions to save money while shopping online and stay safe. Here are some tips to help you navigate this busy shopping day.

One Card Only.

Consider using only one credit card to shop online. This will allow you to watch activity, and stay on top of any charges that are not yours. If anything looks suspicious, be sure to contact your financial institution right away to cancel your card.

Additionally, your debit card information is direct access to your funds. To protect yourself and your funds from criminals, use your credit card to pay for online items.

What’s That Password Again?

Using the same password repeatedly may seem like a convenient choice, but it also makes it easier for hackers to gain access to your information across multiple sites. To avoid this potential security risk, create a unique password for each website you shop on.

Gone Phishing.

Cyber Monday is a favorite among cyber criminals who love to use "phishing" tactics. They send fake emails with enticing deals that could potentially lead to a data breach. Don't fall for their trap! Always navigate to the company's website directly from your browser to avoid any phishing expeditions. Stay safe and keep your personal information secure.

Virus Alert.

You can get hacked on any day, but since Cyber Monday is such a big volume shopping day, hackers are out in full force. Be sure to keep your phone and computer software up to date and protected by antivirus software.

Not in Public.

It’s fun to go into a coffee shop and sip a latte while you hit the Cyber Monday deals, but never, and we mean never, use a public Wi-Fi network to purchase anything online, as it’s easier for hackers to breach a public Wi-Fi network.