DELAWARE - Cybersecurity experts say cyber criminals are more active around the holidays. On a day dedicated to online holiday shopping, local experts have advice on how to use caution before completing a purchase.
We're all guilty of being a little too quick to "add to cart", especially when there's a limited time offer at-stake. But on Cyber Monday, you'll want to take some extra steps to protect yourself online.
"Especially this time of year, when we know the scammers are really up to no good," said John D'Arcy, Professor of Management Information Systems at the University of Delaware.
For starters, it's best to shop at home with a private internet connection, rather than while connected to a public network.
"In something like a Starbucks or a restaurant that kind of has a free Wi-Fi connection, where you don’t have to use a password, in particular, you would not want to enter information such as your credit card," D'Arcy said.
You should also check for signs of a secure website. If a web address begins with "https", it's probably safe.
Scammers will try to solicit your information in emails claiming to have links to great deals, too. Look out for red flags like improper grammar, misspelled links, or email addresses that seem off.
"Put your mouse over the URL, and it will show you what the actual link is," said Solomon Adote, Chief Security Officer for the state of Delaware.
If you're tempted to save passwords or credit cad information on your device t save time later, you may want to rethink. Speaking of credit cards, D'Arcy says that should be your go-to payment method online.
"I recommend credit cards, or maybe a third-party service such as PayPal," he said.
It's not your credit card information cyber criminals are after, though. Adote says what they really want to steal is your identity.
"Identity is mulch-faceted," he said. "It means that I can get to your social services. I can get your medical services... and I can become you when it comes to shopping."
Still nervous? You can add an extra layer of protection with up-to-date malware and two-factor authentication.
"Enable it," Adote said. "A lot of people think it’s a nuisance, but that is what is going to save you."
Taking those few extra minutes to protect yourself online will save you time - and money - later. And D'Arcy says to remember that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.