Cyber Security Tips During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is just beginning, and we know with the current climate, shopping in person is something you may not pursue this year. While the increased availability of online shopping is convenient, it also provides an opportunity for scammers to trick buyers into revealing their personal information.
Being a safe and secure shopper is important — and that’s why your friends at Gaudette Insurance have put together a few cyber tips to protect you and your family from unexpected online attacks.
Avoid Phishing Scams
What is a phishing scam? It is an online scam where criminals impersonate organizations or a person via email, text messages, or advertisements in order to steal sensitive information. Our tip? Make sure to be wary of any email offers you may receive during the holiday months. Clicking links in unusual emails can result in releasing personal information or installing malware on the computer being used.
Keep Track of all your Devices
If you’re visiting family, make sure to keep track of devices that may have personal information. This includes laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Consider installing a tracking service on your device that will help you locate it if misplaced.
Avoid Shopping on Public WiFi
One convenience of shopping online is that it can be done anywhere - but it’s important to avoid shopping online when using public WiFi. Cyber criminals have been known to set up fake hotspots and free public wifi networks to gain login and password information from users.
Online purchase scams, which can expose your identity and even drain your wallet, are the riskiest form of consumer fraud. While the thought of getting ripped off — during the holiday season, no less — is enough to make anyone say “Bah, humbug!” there are ways you can protect yourself while holiday shopping online. Have a question about other ways to protect yourself, or your business, during the holiday months? Call Gaudette Insurance today to talk to a local agent.
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