Security experts have noted that cybercrime rises during the holiday season.
According to cybersecurity company ZeroFOX, nearly 65 percent of organizations report an increase in cybercrime on Cyber Monday. So how do you protect your personal information from online threats? By being smart about how and where you shop.
Keep your mind at ease by following these basic steps recommended by The National Cyber Security Alliance:
- Lock down your login: One of the most critical things you can do in preparation for the online shopping season is to fortify your online accounts by enabling the strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics, security keys or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device. Your usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, banking and social media.
- Keep clean machines: Before searching for that perfect gift, be sure that all web-connected devices – including PCs, mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets – are free from malware and infections by running only the most current versions of software and apps.
- Conduct research: When using a new website for your holiday purchases, read reviews and see if other customers have had a positive or negative experience with the site.
- Get savvy about WiFi hotspots: If you are out and about, limit the type of business you conduct over open public WiFi connections, including logging in to key accounts, such as email and banking. Adjust the security settings on your device to limit who can access your phone.
- When in doubt, throw it out: Links in emails, posts, and texts are often the ways cybercriminals try to steal your information or infect your devices.
- Personal information is like money: value it and protect it. When making a purchase online, be alert to the kinds of information being collected to complete the transaction. Make sure you think it is necessary for the vendor to request that information. Remember that you only need to fill out required fields at checkout.
Finally, one of the most important things you can do is to routinely monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity. We encourage you to promptly
notify Lincoln Savings Bank if you discover an unauthorized transaction. We want our customers to rest assured that we will do everything possible to prevent any financial loss.
Lincoln Savings Bank, Member FDIC