Cybersecurity Saturday: Best practices for holiday traveling and shopping
Traveling and shopping are considered traditional activities during the holiday season. However, if you are not vigilant, these traditions can create painful memories. Recently, someone I know had to close a debit card account while traveling due to fraudulent charges made on the card. In 2020, Cyber Monday was the day with the highest percent of fraudulent e-commerce transactions[1]. The lists below provide preventative measures to protect your personal and financial information while traveling and/or shopping this holiday season.
Traveling
1. Use a credit card instead of a debit card.
If fraudulent charges are made on your credit card, you can notify the credit card company immediately to resolve the issue. However, if fraudulent charges are made on your debit card, the money comes out of your banking account and it could take days or weeks for the money to return to your account.
2. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Using a VPN will help secure your data while using public Wi-Fi[2].
3. Use a power outlet to charge your phone instead of a public charging station.
Malware that can steal your passwords and personal information can be downloaded on the USB port[3].
4. Back up your files and personal information.
In case your phone or laptop is stolen, you will have all of your important files[3].
5. Update your operating systems.
Updates to operating system repair vulnerabilities in the system to prevent known cyberattacks[3].
Shopping
1. Avoid reusing passwords or usernames on websites.
Don’t use passwords or usernames on websites that are connected to your medical and financial information[4]. Use a password manager to store your passwords and user names.
2. Review the details of your online transactions.
Look at the shipping notices and tracking information4. If the retailer doesn’t provide you with this information, contact your credit card company immediately to cancel transaction[4].
3. Only use https sites.
When making online purchases, ensure that the website begins with “https” to have enhanced protection for online transactions[5].
4. Don’t click on links or download attachments in emails unless you are sure of the source.
Clicking on links and downloading attachments can expose your device to viruses[6].
5. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) on your apps and other online accounts.
Using a password, pin, and/or fingerprint recognition, can prevent your accounts from being hacked[6].
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[1] Holiday shopping season fraud stats revealed. (2020, December 04). Retrieved from https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2020/12/04/holiday-shopping-season-fraud-stats-revealed/
[2] Whitmore, C. (2021, November 24). Does a VPN protect you on public Wi-Fi? NordVPN® https://nordvpn.com/blog/securing-public-wi-fi/
[3] McNicholl-Carter, D. (2021, November 17). Traveling for the holidays? Here's how to protect yourself from a cyber attack. CBS8. https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/national/ways-to-protect-yourself-from-a-cyber-attack/509-698a119b-ae73-4609-9770-1010a21e09ce
[4] NW Credit Unions Offer 10 Tips For Holiday Shopping Securely Online. KTVZ. Retrieved from https://ktvz.com/community/community-billboard/2021/11/22/credit-unions-offer-10-tips-for-holiday-shopping-securely-online/
[5] Carson, J. (2021, November 27). How To Be CyberSmart This Holiday Season. CPO Magazine. https://www.cpomagazine.com/cyber-security/how-to-be-cybersmart-this-holiday-shopping-season/
[6] Holiday Online Shopping. CISA. Retrieved from https://www.cisa.gov/shop-safely
