3 Keys To Surf Safely This Cyber Monday

What started out as more of a niche phenomenon, where a relative handful of online retailers and consumers participated, has exploded into a shopping bonanza - the likes of which could put Santa Claus out of business. A whopping 80% of respondents in a recent poll by the National Retail Federation said to count them as one of the people who’ll be cruising the Internet to take advantage of deep discounts.

“Given how shoppers today overall gravitate towards all things digital, there’s a high likelihood online shopping will be bigger than ever over the holiday weekend and on Cyber Monday,” noted Pam Goodfellow, principal analyst for consumer analytics firm Prosper Insights.

The only problem is that cyber criminals are well aware of the shopping blitz that is Cyber Monday, and as a result, bide their time - looking to steal individuals’ identities by hacking into online systems or pickpocketing buyers’ mobile devices.

That’s why it’s important to stay one step ahead of those who would do you financial harm. The following are a few simple ways you can ensure that your Cyber Monday is a safe one, where the only “stealing” going on relates to great deals on high-priced merchandise.

Only use password-protected websites
Due to the prevalence of cyber warfare, most e-retailers have ratcheted up their Internet security, particularly the big ones like Best Buy, Target, Newegg and Apple. However, a number of companies are still vulnerable. A recent survey conducted by password management company Dashlane found that 80% of sites it reviewed did not fit the standard for password security. Additionally, 75% didn’t require unique passwords, where users have to diversify the characters they use, such as a capital letter or number.

“It is encouraging to see positive password security trends in the world of e-commerce,” said Emmanuel Schalit, Dashlane CEO. “While the numbers indicate retailers are moving in the right direction, much work remains. It’s 2015, so no website has an excuse for not implementing security policies that will better secure their users.”

Use gift card for buying purposes
Gift cards are great to purchase because they usually don’t expire and can be used for a variety of purposes. According to the Retail Gift Card Association, 75% of shoppers intend to give one to friends or family this holiday. If you still have a gift card that you received as a present from a previous Christmas or birthday, you might want to consider using it for your online order. Cards come in fixed amounts, so there’s no need to worry about account vulnerability.

Secure handheld devices
Smartphones are everywhere, and widely used for financial transactions, almost as much as for calling purposes. According to a poll by the Wireless Association, nearly half of owners use their devices for banking reasons.

Most devices have security functions that require you to enter a code or password in order to use them. Make sure that you have this feature enabled so that if it winds up in the wrong hands, identity thieves won’t be able to access what is stored.

The Department of Homeland Security has several other recommendations regarding how to shop safely on Cyber Monday and the rest of the holiday buying period. For more information insurance protection, visit the Bateman Agency site. Or contact Donna Bateman at 908-271-2073.

Photo and article courtesy of Selective Insurance Group, Inc.