Black Friday Online Safety

With Black Friday upon us, and Cyber Monday around the corner, there are already an increasing number of online scams appearing, as criminals think up new ways to try and get their hands on your money, or gain access to your online accounts. To help you to avoid becoming a victim of online scams, I’ll put my IT hat on again and share a few quick tips that you may find useful both at home and at work:

• Avoid using the same password in more than one place. From time to time, companies can suffer data breaches or have their systems compromised. If a criminal obtains your email and password in this way, they will try using them on a multitude of other websites. Using a different password for each site limits any damage to a single site.
• Phishing emails are often used by criminals. These are emails which appear to be from a legitimate organisation, but are actually faked. They typically try to trick you into accessing a fake website, where your login credentials or payment details will be stolen. It is best to avoid clicking on links within emails. To keep safe, enter the organisation’s correct address into a web browser yourself.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Again, these can be used by criminals to entice people to place orders on fake websites, or for goods that simply do not exist.
• Look out for social media scams. Commonly these include offers of £100 vouchers for well-known supermarkets, financial products ‘recommended by celebrities’, and quizzes that capture personal information.
• Be cautious of text messages with links. A common scam sends you a text message informing you of a missed or delayed delivery, and requesting that you use a link to either pay a fee, or enter personal information to arrange a re-delivery. Again, it is best to look up and enter the sending organisation’s correct address yourself, rather than using a link.
• Watch out for copycat government websites. These can often look like a legitimate information source, but then charge a fee for something which is actually free. Common examples are EHIC/GHIC cards, energy bill support schemes, tax rebates, etc. Again, it is safest to look up and enter the correct (typically ending in .gov.uk) address into a browser yourself.
• Use a credit card rather than a debit card when purchasing online, that way you get additional protection should something go wrong.
• Watch out for fake reviews, especially if they all seem to be very recent. Make a point of checking some negative reviews too.
• Keep your home computers protected with up-to-date anti-virus solutions, and keep your devices updated with any security patches or updates.
• If in doubt, check it out!
• In a work environment, always report any concerns promptly. Your IT people would always prefer to check something and offer advice rather than having to deal with a cyber security incident.

Stay safe.

For anyone that read this far, here’s a little poem…

In cyberspace where deals unfold,
Black Friday tales of bargains told.
Clicks and scrolls, a digital spree,
But safety first, let’s all agree.

Beware of phishers in the sea,
Who lure with offers, tempting glee.
Check those links before you dive,
A cautious click will help you thrive.

Passwords strong, like castle walls,
Guard your data, heed the calls.
Update, refresh, and stay secure,
Against online threats, always endure.

Cyber shields, a virtual cape,
Protect your info, don’t let it escape.
On Black Friday’s digital stage,
Navigate wisely, like an IT sage.

So, as you safely surf the web,
Let caution guide your buying head.
May your purchases be secure and grand,
In the vast online shopping land!