November Cybersecurity Tech Tip: Shop Safely Online This Season

As we enter the busy online shopping season, keep your financial information secure by following these simple tips:

• Stick to Trusted Websites: Shop only on reputable websites you know and trust, especially when making purchases. Look out for unusual offers on unfamiliar sites, and avoid sites that seem too good to be true—they often are!
• Check for “https://” in the URL: Before entering any payment information, ensure the website URL starts with “https://.” The “s” stands for secure, indicating that your data is encrypted while being transmitted.
• Enable Alerts on Your Payment Methods: Many credit card companies and banks allow you to set up transaction alerts. These notifications can help you spot unauthorized purchases quickly, adding an extra layer of protection to your shopping experience.
• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: If you create accounts on shopping sites, use strong, unique passwords. This reduces the risk of someone accessing your accounts if a website’s data is compromised.
• Stay mindful of these precautions to enjoy a safe online shopping season. Remember, the security of our digital accounts is a shared responsibility. By adopting these practices, you contribute to the overall resilience of our cybersecurity defenses. Happy, secure shopping!

Congratulations to Debbie L. at Amelia and Lisa P. at Timpview for winning last month’s gift card drawing! We are still giving away a gift card every month. Enter to win this month’s gift card drawing to help with your online shopping!

• Enter to Win Cybersecurity Monthly Prize Drawing