Cybersecurity Best Practices for Online Shoppers

The holiday season is just around the corner, which means the busiest time of the year for online shopping is upon us. Whether you're hunting for Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals or ticking off your Christmas gift list, cybercriminals are also gearing up to exploit unsuspecting shoppers. With more people making purchases online during the holidays, it’s vital to stay extra cautious and protect your personal and financial information.

Here are some best cybersecurity practices to help you shop safely during the festive season.

1. Shop on Secure Websites Only

As the holiday shopping frenzy builds, it’s tempting to explore new or unfamiliar websites for bargains. However, not all sites are secure, and cybercriminals often set up fake stores designed to steal your data or sell counterfeit goods.

Tip

Look for the padlock icon in the URL bar and ensure the website address begins with “https”, which indicates that the site uses secure encryption. If a site lacks this, it’s best to avoid entering any sensitive information.

2. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for Shopping Accounts

During the holiday season, you’ll probably sign up for several accounts with different online stores. While it’s easy to reuse passwords across multiple sites, this is a dangerous habit. If one account is compromised, it could give hackers access to your other accounts.

Tip

Use a strong and unique password for every shopping account. A password manager can help you generate and store complex passwords without the need to remember them all.

3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Online Shopping

It might be convenient to shop on-the-go while using public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or while travelling, but this comes with major risks. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data.

Tip

Avoid making purchases or entering sensitive information while connected to public Wi-Fi. If you must shop on the go, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your connection.

4. Be Wary of Holiday-Themed Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals love to capitalise on the holiday shopping rush by sending out phishing emails or creating fake ads and promotions. These phishing scams might come disguised as “exclusive” holiday discounts or notifications from delivery services asking for personal information to confirm your order.

Tip

Be careful of emails with suspicious links or attachments, especially those that create a sense of urgency with phrases like "Act Now!" or "Limited Time Offer!" Always verify the source before clicking.

5. Monitor Your Bank Statements Regularly

With the increase in online transactions during the holidays, it’s easy to lose track of your spending. Cybercriminals know this and may make small unauthorised charges on your account, hoping you won’t notice.

Tip

Monitor your bank and credit card statements closely, especially during and after the holiday shopping season. Report any suspicious transactions immediately to your bank or card issuer.

6. Use Secure Payment Methods

When making online purchases, ensure you're using secure payment methods like credit cards or trusted payment services like PayPal. Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection, and payment services often provide an additional layer of security.

Tip

Avoid direct bank transfers or debit card payments for online shopping. Credit cards and services like PayPal can help you recover your money more easily in the event of fraud.

7. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

For an added layer of protection, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your online accounts. This requires a second form of verification (such as a text message code) in addition to your password, making it harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts even if they have your login details.

Tip

Most online shopping platforms offer 2FA—enable it wherever possible to keep your account safe.

Shop Smart and Stay Safe This Holiday Season

The holiday season is an exciting time, but it’s also when cybercriminals are most active. As you take advantage of holiday deals and make your online purchases, don’t forget to prioritise your security. By following these best practices—shopping on secure sites, using strong passwords, avoiding public Wi-Fi, and watching out for phishing scams—you can enjoy a safe and stress-free online shopping experience.

Stay vigilant, secure your accounts, and have a safe holiday season!