December 3rd-7th 2018 is National Tax Security Awareness week. National Tax Security Awareness Week was created by the IRS, State Tax Agencies and Tax Industry to encourage both individual and business taxpayers to take steps to protect their tax data and identities in advance of the 2019 filing season. In light of the National Tax Security Awareness Week, Gurian CPA has provided cyber security shopping tips to consider while doing your Christmas online shopping.
1. Avoid Using Debit Cards
When shopping online it’s best to use credit cards or secure payment services like PayPal or Apple Pay. Debit cards should be avoided when shopping online because they are linked directly to your bank account and you’re at a much higher risk if someone is able to hack your information. Credit cards offer more protection and have less liability if a card number gets stolen.
2. Shop on Secure Sites Only
Online shopping always asks for personal and financial information before making a purchase. Because of this, it is essential that you make sure that you’re purchasing from a secure, legitimate site. The easiest way to tell is a site is secure or not is to look at the URL. If the URL has “https” before the address then you can ensure that the site is secure. Avoiding shopping sites that begin with “http” as this means that the site is not encrypted, and your personal and financial information will not be secured. All legitimate shopping sites will have a URL that begins with “https”.
3. Make Sure Your Software is Up to Date
Don’t ignore those routine update reminders that notify you on your phone, tablet or desktops to update your software. Software updates are released to help improve security measures and fight new attacks that being developed constantly. Hackers are always finding new way to get your information so one of the easiest things you can do to ensure that your information is protected is to continuously update your software.
4. Don’t Fall for Phishing Scams
Email scammers’ favorite time of the year are the holidays, which is going to mean this is the time of the year in which you are most vulnerable. Use caution when it comes to emails from people you don’t know or a site you haven’t recently visited. Scammers love to send out viruses and malware in disguise of a special offer or gift. Email scammers’ will also try to send you fake emails from your bank and other financial institution saying there is an alert or problem with your account. Never enter your account information in response to an email like that, and always make sure that you give your bank or financial institution a call immediately to ensure that there isn’t a problem and to report the scam.
5. Don’t Follow Links for Deals That Are Too Good to be True
Everyone is always searching for the best deal when it comes to online shopping, but make sure that you’re not so quick to click on a link of a deal that might be too good to be true. If you’re one that just can’t let that awesome deal go, do some research on the site before purchasing. Remember tip #2 and make secure that you’re shopping on a secure site.
6. Strong, Secure and Unique Passwords
It might seem a little trying having to create a new password for so many different logins, and having to use uppercase, lowercase, number and special characters in just one password. However, having a strong, secure and unique password will be your best gatekeeper when it comes to keeping your private information secure. By having a difficult password that isn’t easily guessed will not be worth a hacker’s time to try and figure it out.
7. Never Give More Information Than Needed
Giving your information is almost always required when purchasing online. Make sure that you don’t overshare and provide unnecessary information while shopping. If a field is optional, make sure that you leave it blank. The more information you put out on the internet makes you that more vulnerable when it comes to someone else obtaining that information. If you want to take an extra security measure, it would be a good idea to check out the site’s privacy policy so that you are 100% sure exactly how your information will be used and shared.
8. Use Caution When it Comes to Public Networks
If you’re one of the many that are capped and must limit your data usage, free hotspots and public wifi is usually available almost anywhere you go. This might seem great, but since this is accessible to you, it is also accessible to everyone else. These public networks are not secure and should be avoided while shopping online, accessing your bank account and other payment sites like PayPal. It is also a good idea to make sure that you are logged out of any of these accounting when joining a public network.
9. Beware of Shopping Apps
Only download and use shopping apps from reliable sources like the Apple App Store and Android Market. Yes, there’s an app for that, but use caution! Make sure you’re aware of the permissions that the app asks for so that you’re not at risk of having your private information stolen. Make sure that the permissions on what the app can access on your phone or tablet makes sense for the actual use of the app. It is also a great idea to take a look at the reviews and comments from other’s that have firsthand experience using the app.
10. Login, Logout and Never Leave Unattended
Make sure that any device you shop online with has a security software in place to protect your information. Always use a passcode on your smart phone, tablet and computer, and make sure that you never leave any of these devices unlocked and unattended. Although it’s convenient to have your device remember your personal information like logins, passwords and credit card information, it isn’t a great idea when you’re trying to protect yourself against hackers. Nothing is safer than locked inside your brain.
The great thing about online shopping is that it can be done from anywhere and on any of your devices. This convenience has definitely shortened the lines at the stores, but it doesn’t come without a price. By following these cyber security tips while online shopping will help you ensure that your information is protected.
By Paige Knight
