The end of year holidays mark the busiest time of the year for online shoppers. We\u2019re all rushing around trying to find the right gift that doesn\u2019t break the budget. Throw in family time and stress can get out of hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sadly, this time also marks one of the busiest times of year for online hackers. With the flurry of activity online, they know they\u2019ve got ample targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, not all targets are equal. Hackers would rather make a quick buck than spend their time forcing their way through in-depth security. That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important to follow the 5 most important rules for online shopping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Strengthen your passwords<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no reason to still use the same password you came up with in high school. It\u2019s a dirty truth that big businesses suffer data breaches \u2013 that means the longer you use a password the more likely it\u2019s been hacked. Even if you\u2019re not using that old website, hackers might know your information and will try logging in to common sites using your old email + password combination. We know it can be a pain to keep track of everything, and that\u2019s why we recommend using a password manager service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. Visit reputable sites<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We all want to score the best deals on holiday shopping, but the old adage is true \u2013 if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. You don\u2019t need to go to sketchy sites to find the best prices. The biggest retailers have deals all season long. Plus, when you use a big site you don\u2019t run the risk of getting a knockoff product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. Protect your WiFi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So much of our life is on the go, and holiday shopping is no different. Did you know that WiFi networks are often targeted by hackers and scammers? Even the one in your home can be spoofed, allowing thieves to steal your information. That\u2019s even more true when you\u2019re connected at the local coffee shop. With a VPN (Virtual Private Network \u2013 something all the best antivirus options offer), your information is secure no matter where you connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. Invest in antivirus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You get what you pay for doesn\u2019t just apply to your shopping. If you really want to make sure you\u2019re safe online during the holidays, you want to make sure to invest in a reputable antivirus. No one wants a knock-off gifts \u2013 they\u2019re low quality and unreliable. So why would you settle for a knock-off antivirus? Look for an option that has lots of good reviews, or even better go to a big box store and ask their experts for recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. It pays to be suspicious<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A healthy amount of suspicion can go a long way in protecting yourself while you\u2019re shopping online (and let\u2019s not get started on the sketchy ads we all get on social media). It\u2019s always important to trust your gut. It\u2019s also important to be wary of free money, unexpected calls from financial institutions and sites asking for personal information (rather than just billing info). And let\u2019s not get started on the sketchy ads we all get on social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holiday shopping can be stressful enough, don\u2019t let it get worse with a stolen credit card or hacked computer. Follow the 5 most important rules for staying safe online and you can shop worry free and get back to celebrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interested in learning about award-winning antivirus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n