How to Stay Safe Online
These tips may help keep you safe from cybercriminals:
Set up account alerts: Sighing up for email or mobile alerts can help by notifying you in the event that there is unusual activity detected on your accounts.
Only shop on legitimate websites: Shop with reputable companies and always check for positive customer reviews. Everyone is looking for a great deal, but remember - if it looks too good to be true, then it most likely is!
Check the URL to verify it is secured: Be sure that the site you are on begins with https://, rather than just htt://. The “s” at the end means that the website is secure and indicates that the data being shared is encrypted.
Make sure your connections are secure: When shopping online, only use a virtual private network (VPN) or your phone’s mobile hotspot. Never conduct transactions using a public Wi-Fi network, as your transactions can very easily be intercepted by hackers.
Keep your devices safe: Use strong passwords and biometric features (facial recognition or fingerprint authentication) to secure your computers and mobile devices from unauthorized access. Also, make sure your operating system and anti-virus software stay up to date.
Be careful where you click: Don’t open emails or click on links from unfamiliar parties. Even emails that appear to be from someone you know can often times be fraudulent. Always close out of the email and log directly into a retailer’s website, rather than following a link that was sent.
Monitor your accounts and report unusual activity quickly: Immediately check your bank and credit card statements to verify that all charges are correct. notify your financial institutiion emmediately if you see any unauthorized transactions!