Cybersecurity company ThreatLocker has stepped up its call to remind members of the public to be more vigilant for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has indicated that 45 per cent of Irish consumers are likely to spend money this coming weekend. For that reason, it is important for shoppers to be aware of the risk of scams and phishing that they could potentially face during the cyber weekend.
ThreatLocker tales a Zero Trust Model approach when it comes to online shopping. Their panel of experts have put together a list of top tips to avoid getting scammed or phished this cyber weekend.
Here are the tips:
Software updates
It is significantly important to update software on your devices. These updates perform a myriad of functions, with one most important function that removes bugs and prevents crashes while providing antivirus updates. While it is easy to put off these updates, get them done ahead of Black Friday.
Stick to trusted stores online
Always try to stick with a trusted retailer. While it can be difficult to avoid a good deal, some deals are too good to be true. While major online retailers have vigorous security checks in place, you should always double check if you are buying from the correct retailer. Always ensure their browser’s address bar is legitimate by checking if the letters ‘https’ and a padlock symbol are at the start of a web address.
Choose the right payment method
Secure payment services such as PayPal or Apple Pay hide payment information so retailers and fraudsters cannot access them and your information won’t be compromised. Take extra caution not to share your multi-factor authentication codes with anyone. Only enter a verification code with a trusted website. Before you pay for anything, check for reviews on the retailer’s website or on a review website such as Trustpilot.
Fake delivery notifications
While you might be shopping off secure and trusted websites, the danger does not stop there. Consumers also have to be wary of texts or emails from scammers purporting to be delivery firms. Think twice before you give any information and always visit the retailer’s website to track where your parcel is.
Remember: Stop, Think, Protect
Always remember to stop, think and protect this cyber weekend. While nothing beats a good bargain, always stop and take the time to consider if the sale item is legitimate. Fraudsters are renowned for impersonating trusted brands so think about the item on sale and if it is from a trusted retailer. If you think you have just been scammed, as hard as it is to do so, do not panic. Contact your bank immediately and report the scam.
