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Safe Online Shopping Best PracticesBy Aamir Lakhani - Cybersecurity Researcher for Fortinet's FortiGuard Labs | ||
Dubai, United Arab Emirates The upcoming holiday shopping season is already expected to pose more challenges than the last. Shoppers are expected to descend upon e-commerce as many sought-after items could be in short supply. As a result, both consumers and retailers must be especially wary of opportunistic scammers who will offer too-good-to-miss deals in order to steal sensitive information and profit off their victims’ losses.
Aamir Lakhani - Cybersecurity Researcher for Fortinet's FortiGuard Labs
While many of us are readying our credit cards, you will also want to take some extra time to consider who might be able to access the data you’re handing over. Cybercriminals will be especially active this year, ready to launch an attack wherever they see an opening. From phishing scams to malicious applications, they’re waiting for unsuspecting shoppers to be lured into their traps-which means the best way to mitigate risk is by remaining vigilant. A world of Cybercrime-as-a-Service (CaaS) is growing at a fast pace, which means shop with care.
Shoppers Relying on E-Commerce This Holiday Season In past years, many shoppers have switched to e-commerce as the method of obtaining the clothing, electronics, household items, toys, and other gifts they seek. And while we have seen a steady increase in online shopping over the years, this year’s holiday shopping could beat previous records.
Meanwhile, in the background, cybercriminals are simultaneously planning their attacks. And they’re expecting opportunities related to holiday shopping to be equally profitable.
Internet Safety: Considerations for Safe Online Shopping This Cyber Monday, shoppers should prepare for both traditional online shopping risks as well as new timely e-commerce threats. We’ve outlined some of the most important ones below, along with some best practices to avoid falling victim to them:
3 Most Common Cyber Monday Threats
Emerging Threats
Promote Safe Online Shopping Habits The best way to avoid falling victim to a Cyber Monday attack is to practice safe online shopping habits. Use common sense when browsing online and stick to trusted retailers for holiday deals and promotions. And when you make those purchases, keep in mind that credit cards offer built-in consumer fraud protection!
While the ability to purchase goods, send gifts, and connect to loved ones over digital networks is incredibly valuable, it’s important to understand that these conveniences are not free of risk. Rather than getting caught up in the rush and excitement of Cyber Monday shopping, take a moment this year to pause and revisit cybersecurity best practices and brush up on some free cybersecurity awareness training. And don’t forget to pass on your knowledge to your friends and family, as well. This way, we can all enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday season. |
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