As the biggest shopping days of the year—Black Friday and Cyber Monday—approach, the lure of incredible deals can make anyone eager to hit “Buy Now.” But while you’re focused on snagging the best discounts, cybercriminals are focused on snagging your personal and financial information.

Stay safe by following these essential dos and don’ts to protect yourself during these shopping holidays.

Dos and Don’ts: Stay Cyber-Smart This Black Friday & Cyber Monday

 DO:

1. Shop only on HTTPS-secured websites.
   Look for a padlock icon in the address bar and ensure the website URL starts with https://. This helps ensure your data is encrypted.
2. Set up transaction alerts for your bank account.
   Enable real-time notifications for any transactions. If you spot unauthorized activity, you can act quickly.
3. Double-check URLs before entering card details.
   Cybercriminals often create fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers. Typos or extra characters in the URL are red flags.
4. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA).
   Protect your accounts with MFA for an added layer of security, even if someone guesses your password.
5. Update your devices and antivirus software.
   Outdated software can leave vulnerabilities for hackers to exploit. Ensure your devices are running the latest updates.

 DON’T:

1. Click on “deals” sent via unknown SMS or emails.
   Phishing scams often offer deals that are too good to be true. Avoid clicking on links unless you’re sure of their legitimacy.
2. Share sensitive info via public Wi-Fi.
   Avoid entering credit card details or logging into accounts on public Wi-Fi without a VPN. Public networks are prime targets for hackers.
3. Use the same password across shopping sites.
   If a site is compromised, hackers could access multiple accounts. Use unique, strong passwords for each account, or rely on a password manager.
4. Ignore signs of phishing attempts.
   Emails with urgent calls to action like “Act now!” or typos are warning signs of scams.

Why Cyber Safety Matters

Cybercriminals ramp up their activities during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, preying on distracted shoppers eager to score deals. Phishing emails, fake websites, and malicious links are just a few tactics they use to steal information. A single moment of carelessness could lead to identity theft, financial loss, or compromised accounts.

Cyber Monday Bonus Tips

1. Don’t save payment information on retail websites. While it’s convenient, it could also make you vulnerable if the retailer is hacked.
2. Compare prices before clicking “Buy Now.” Sometimes, the “exclusive deal” isn’t actually a bargain when you look around. Use trusted tools to verify deals.
3. Beware of fake apps. Download apps only from official app stores and verify they’re legitimate before entering payment details.

Stay Alert—Don’t Let Hackers Win!

With a little vigilance and preparation, you can enjoy the thrill of Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping without falling into cybercriminals’ traps.