Personal security always tops the wish list! From cybercriminals stealing our data, to porch thieves stealing our deliveries, let’s keep the spirit of security with these tips during the busy holiday season.
Shopping Online
- Only buy products from reputable sellers and websites. Do some research, read a few reviews, and confirm that you’re buying a legitimate item and not a counterfeit. If a deal seems too good to be true, search elsewhere.
- Before entering credit card and other personal information, ensure that you have a secure connection. Look for HTTPS (vs. HTTP) and a green padlock next to the URL. Double-check that the URL correlates to the website. Remember, scammers impersonate legitimate sites with imposters that steal credit card data.
- Avoid using debit cards or payment methods that connect directly to your bank. A security breach could give cybercriminals a chance to empty your accounts. Use credit cards instead, many of which offer fraud protection and put zero liability on the consumer.
- Keep tabs on your financials. Routinely log into your accounts and check for fraudulent or duplicate charges. Immediately contact the bank or credit card company if you find purchases you didn’t authorize.
Preventing Porch Theft
- Send your purchases to your workplace (if allowed), a friend, or a trustworthy neighbor. If you know you won’t be home, arrange for your packages to be delivered elsewhere or have someone you trust pick them up and hold them for you.
- Require a signature for expensive items. A delivery person won’t leave packages sitting outside of your home if no one is there to sign for them.
- Purchase anti-theft products. Deter thieves with inconvenience, such as lockable delivery bags and drop boxes, or invest in WiFi-enabled security cameras and motion sensitive lights.
- Rent a locker or delivery box. Some major online retailers offer delivery hubs with secure lockers. This option removes the convenience of home delivery, but it also removes the possibility of porch theft.
©The Security Awareness Company, LLC