Online holiday shopping can be an alternative to the crowded parking lots, long checkout lines and the general hassle shoppers face during this time of year. But it is not without its pitfalls. Cybercriminals work hard to trick consumers into divulging sensitive information. But there are basic steps online shoppers can take to remain secure online.
Cook County’s Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security is offering tips for consumers who choose to do their holiday shopping from the comfort of their homes:
- Ensure antivirus is installed and up to date
- Always use strong passwords
- Do not use the same password for all logins
- During the holiday season be aware of “phishing” campaigns and do not open unknown emails
- Do not use public Wi-Fi when shopping online or accessing sensitive information
- If the price is too good to be true online, do not move forward without validating
- Try to use one-time credit cards or Apple Pay/Google Wallet for purchases
- Keep a close eye on credit card statements
For more tips visit EMRS’s website at https://www.cookcountyemergencymanagement.org/