Dell Security lists essential tips to help keep cybercriminals at bay this holiday season

With the start of the holiday season, Dell Security expects consumers to be doing some online shopping. However, cybercriminals are also shopping around the same time.

The uptick in online shopping during the holidays leaves more chances for cybercriminals to steal data. This can happen in any number of ways – visiting compromised websites, clicking on phishing emails or fake social media posts, falling for holiday charity scams and even buying from fraudulent shopping sites. The methods vary and cybercriminals get more innovative each year, but their goal remains the same: steal personal and financial information.

Here are a few precautions that users must take to help protect their information while shopping online. Users must make sure that the website they are using is secure by looking at the URL. If it begins with https:// (there must be an “s” after http), then the website is secure and will encrypt information. Also, strive to use sites with reputable brands which are known and trusted.

Consumers must completely avoid using public computers for online shopping. Public computers, like those in libraries and hotel business centers, may contain malicious software that could steal personal information. At the same time, users must be wary of public Wi-Fi, which may not be secure and could provide easy access for criminals to intercept personal data.

Adoption of strong passwords is critical and important way to securing devices. Use a combination of numbers, letters and symbols to make password complex and difficult to guess, and don’t use names of family members, pets or birthdays. Caution must be exercised and never use the same password across multiple sites. Clients must resist clicking on bogus links and attachments in emails, tweets, social media posts and online advertising are ways cybercriminals can compromise the device. 

If it looks suspicious, delete it. Also, always hover over a link with the mouse and review the destination address carefully before you click.

Users must remain in the know with account alerts by activating fraud alerts with bank, credit cards, and credit bureaus to help detect suspicious activities like new payee, money withdrawal, high-value credit card transaction, activity in unusual locations, etc.

Another precaution users must take is to be sure to ship their new purchases to a secure location. If the user is aware that they won’t be home, ship to the office or to a neighbor to help prevent package theft. Also, packages left on a porch or otherwise in site of the public could be an indicator, users may be away from home and invite criminal activity.

Staying safe online will continue to require vigilance, and the convenience of online shopping will continue to come with risks. But by being diligent when shopping online, users can help combat cybercriminal activity during the holidays and year-round.