Safe Online Shopping: How To Protect Yourself This Black Friday and Cyber Monday

In our digital age, online shopping has become the go-to way to shop. The allure of doing it all from the comfort of our own homes is undeniable, especially during the frenzied shopping extravaganzas of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But beneath the veneer of discounts and convenience lurk cyber threats and online shopping scams that turn a bargain into a burden.

During November's Black Friday and Cyber Monday, scammers are out in full force, peddling deals that are too tempting for us to resist. You'll find jaw-dropping discounts on everything from luxury items to electronics, but these offers can be bait to lure unsuspecting shoppers into a web of deception.

This article will have you ready to score discounts while dodging scams as we explore how to stay safe when shopping online by installing advanced internet security. It's time to safeguard your shopping experiences.

Where the Online Shopping Dangers Lie:

While these dangers are ever present in the online shopping world, during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, when everyone's in a bit of a flurry from scurrying around securing sales, these dangers can be harder to identify. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're snagging a bargain:

When Things Seem Too Good to be True

You've heard it before that when something seems too good to be true, it's probably because it is. This rings especially true when shopping online during peak sale periods. While legitimate retailers may be offering substantial discounts during these pre-Christmas sales, keep in mind that they won't be offering free items or discounts that defy logic. So, the general rule of thumb here is that if a deal seems unbelievable, take a step back and investigate before proceeding to the checkout. You may avoid an online shopping scam.

Yep, Fake Online Shopping Websites Exist

To the untrained eye, fake online shopping websites appear genuine when they're actually cleverly designed traps. They're sometimes complete with polished interfaces and highly convincing product listings, but these deceptive sites are simply mimicking trusted retailers. And these fake sites could be one of the most harmful threats to you as an online shopper, as they can easily steal your name, credit card details, address and more if you end up making a purchase.

Also Read: Best VPN Deals In Australia - Secure Your Internet Activity 2023

There are a few ways to verify how authentic a site is before you enter any of your personal or financial information. Check that there's an 's' in the 'HTTPS' in the URL, which indicates a secure connection. Also, look for customer reviews and ratings and that the website provides legitimate contact information. Do a quick Google search to understand how established they are and if any bizarre activity has been reported before. If something seems phishy, trust your instincts, and abandon the cart by closing the tab immediately.

Overly Inviting Pop-Ups, Texts, and Social Media Offers

During the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, you may notice an increase in pop-up ads, unwanted texts, and enticing offers on social media, which are actually online shopping scams. What may seem like an innocent distraction can actually lead to a whole lot of trouble if you're not cautious. They could be traps by cybercriminals to distribute malware on your device, steal your information, or lead you to fraudulent websites unknowingly.

Stay safe when online shopping this year by avoiding the temptation to click on ads and links and never share your information through texts or messages on social media. Keep in mind that legitimate offers are usually shared through email newsletters or official websites, not via random texts and pop-ups.

How to Stay Safe When Online Shopping

Now that we've talked about the dangers of online shopping let's move on to how you can protect yourself not only this Black Friday and Cyber Monday but any time you're buying online.

1. Keep Your Software Updated. Since cybercriminals like to exploit vulnerabilities such as outdated software, it's crucial that you keep your systems, browser, and antivirus software up to date.
2. Use Strong, Complex Passwords. Update your passwords regularly and use a different one for each account. To make it easier for you, use a trusted password manager to keep them secure for you.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). Wherever possible, add an extra layer of protection with 2FA. A second verification step could be just the thing that keeps you out of harm's way.
4. Beware of Phishing Emails. Cybercriminals send emails posing as a reputable brand or retailer, complete with an enticing offer. As mentioned, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don't click on anything until you know the sender, and it may be a scam.
5. Shop from Trusted Retailers. Stick to well-known stores and research any store you're a little unfamiliar with. Before making a purchase, research the brand or retailer and read reviews to gauge their credibility.
6. Use Secure Payment Methods. Use payment methods such as credit cards and PayPal, which offer added protection against fraudulent behaviour.
7. Install Antivirus Software. Protect your devices, including your mobile, with advanced internet security and antivirus software. ESET offers incredible protection, making it a wise choice to defend against cyber threats.
8. Check Your Bank Statements. The earlier you report strange activity, the greater the chance of recovering your money. Review your bank statements and report anything that looks suspicious immediately.

Shop Safely with Antivirus Software

In the pursuit of incredible deals, don't let your guard down. Your time shopping should be enjoyable and safe from cyber threats, so protect yourself in the digital shopping world with ESET, Australia's best antivirus software brand in 2023.

Source: Finder.com.au

Safeguard your personal information and shop with confidence, knowing ESET has done the work for you to strengthen your digital defences.

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During this year's Black Friday online sale, stay safe, stay savvy, and enjoy the savings with peace of mind.