In the frenzy of limited time offers, last minute sales and one-click shopping, it can be difficult to stay secure while you shop online, particularly on days like Cyber Monday.
Last year, consumers spent about 1.5 billion dollars on Cyber Monday, up 16% from 2011. Industry experts predict this season will see even more growth. Coupled with the boom in sales is a predicted increase in the amount and severity of online scamming and data theft.
See also: 7 Deal Aggregators for Holiday Shoppers
We spoke with Will Pelgrin, CEO of The Center for Internet Security (CIS), a non-profit organization focused on improving the cybersecurity posture of both the private and public sector, who gave us a few helpful tips about staying secure online this season.
Though it may seem obvious, malicious pop-up ads still pose one of the largest threats to web shoppers. According to Pelgrin, studies have shown that a large amount of consumers will click on the account regardless of its message. Be mindful of what pop-ups say, it could be evidence of a security threat.
Though many systems automatically update your software as new features become available, it's important to keep your programs as current as possible. To avoid security holes, update apps and software minimally once a week, as newer versions appear.
Image: Screenshot, Amazon
An essential part of online security in any sense is using strong passwords. This means no birthdays, dog names or variations of "1234" for any of your accounts. For help making a strong password, check out our guide: How to Create a Secure Password.
When shopping, you don't want others to be able to track what sites you're visiting and what information you're entering online. If you need help choosing, check out our guide here: 5 Best Free Antivirus Software Options.
According to Pelgrin, more and more consumers are doing the bulk of their holiday shopping on mobile phones. If you're one of those consumers, make sure to enable a lock screen password, in case your device is lost or stolen. "If your phone isn't timed out, you're leaving the keys to your kingdom to whoever picks it up," says Pelgrin.
Image: Flickr, anitakhart
Pelgrin recommends that any and all online financial transactions take place through a secure, private Wi-Fi connection, as opposed to using the more vulnerable free Wi-Fi in a coffee shop or library.
Your inbox is likely swarming with holiday promotions from all of your favorite (and likely least favorite) brands. To avoid being hacked, the CIS recommends you always enter the shop's URL in your browser, rather than following the links contained in an email.
Before you buy from a merchant on Amazon, Etsy or Ebay, check their rating and number of sales. Make sure they have good return policies and clearly posted contact information. If worried, you can always check on a businesses legitimacy through the Better Business Bureau.
"There are more security protections on your credit card that may not exist while using your debit card, should your info be taken," says Pelgrin.
If you are entering your financial information on a webpage, make sure the URL begins with "https" as opposed to "http" or has a lock in your browser's search bar.
Though the holidays are frequently the most popular time to make donations to charity, Pelgrin urges consumers to check the legitimacy of your charity's website.
"Fraudulent sites pop up during disasters and holidays like clockwork. Be alert," he says.
Many apps and websites will automatically share your GPS location by default. If your entire family is out of the house, broadcasting your location might not be the best idea. Sometimes, apps will change your settings once downloaded. Check what services your downloads have access to in your phone's privacy settings.
According to Pelgrin, some hackers will do very low level theft once obtaining your information, charging small amounts to your credit card to avoid detection. Stay on top of your account statements and keep a record of how much you spend and where.
Pop-up blockers and malware detection extensions will add an extra layer to your security this season. For some free Internet security tools, check out our article: 8 Best Free Tools for Internet Security.
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Image: Mashable, Christina Ascani