It’s that time of year again! The holiday season is upon us and more people than ever will be shopping online in the coming weeks. But with several security breaches in the news in the last couple of years, the privacy of your sensitive data should be a top concern as you go about your holiday shopping. Here are a few tips to help you keep your information secure.
- Verify your site
Make sure you’re shopping a reputable site. Look for a padlock icon or “https” at the beginning of the URL to ensure the site is encrypted. Double check the URL before you enter any payment information, just to be sure you didn’t get redirected to a shady site.
- Pay securely
Using your debit card can risk your entire bank balance if someone gets their hands on it. Consider using a credit card, which will give you more resources in case of fraudulent charges and protect your bank account at the same time. Another great and widely accepted option is Paypal, which offers secure payments and good resolution procedures.
- Be smart
A little common sense can go a long way when it comes to keeping your data secure. Avoid using public wi-fi networks and stick to reputable sites instead of following the lowest price into corners of the Internet where you might not venture otherwise.
- Keep your eyes open
Check your account statements weekly until at least the end of January. If any fraudulent charges appear, you’ll be able to handle it quickly and limit its effects. After January, make sure to check your statements at least once a month as a best practice.
If you’re in the market for reliable, high-speed Internet service this holiday season, contact us today to learn how we can help!