At A Glance
- "Heightened cyber risks during sales; CNC guides on safe Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping."
- "Scammers exploit emotional rush in shoppers for scams during holiday sales."
- "Be vigilant about email scams, typosquatting, and copycat websites/apps."
- "CNC advises source verification, secure payments, security software, and thorough deal research."
Navigating Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Your CNC Guide to Secure Shopping
As we approach the bustling Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, it's crucial to be aware of the heightened cyber risks. The Cyber New Centre (CNC) presents an informative guide to help you navigate these sales safely.
Overview of Cyber Threats During Sales Seasons
Exploitation of Human Emotions in Cybercrime: During the frenzy of holiday sales, cybercriminals exploit the urgency and emotions of shoppers.
The desire to snag the best deals in a time-crunch makes consumers more susceptible to various scams. Understanding this psychological manipulation is key to staying alert.
Risks of Email Scams and Phishing:
The holiday season sees a spike in email scams. Cybercriminals send emails with attachments containing malware, masquerading as attractive offers or shipping notifications from well-known retailers.
Phishing emails, which can be sophisticated and personalised, aim to steal personal information. Recognizing these emails requires attention to detail, such as checking for odd phrasing, unexpected requests, or sender inconsistencies.
Typosquatting and the Dangers of Copycat Websites:
Typosquatting is a tactic where scammers create deceptive URLs and email addresses resembling those of legitimate companies.
These lead to fake websites designed to harvest personal data. Similarly, scammers also set up copycat websites that mimic genuine retailers, often spreading via social media and email. These sites can be hard to distinguish from the real ones without careful inspection.
The Threat of Counterfeit Shopping Apps:
Another risk comes from counterfeit apps in mobile stores. These apps look and feel like they belong to well-known brands but are actually designed to steal personal and financial information. They often slip through even the strict screening processes of reputable app stores.
Deceptive 'Too Good to Be True' Offers:
Offers that seem too good to be true usually are. Scammers create alluring deals to lure customers into divulging their personal and financial information. These offers often appear on the fake websites and apps mentioned earlier.
CNC's Five-Step Guide for Safe Online Shopping
1. Enhanced Phishing Email Precautions:
Avoid opening emails from unknown senders, especially those with attachments or links. Use email filters and maintain an updated list of blocked senders. Regularly educate yourself on the latest phishing tactics.
2. Rigorous Source Verification:
Before engaging with any shopping site or app, verify its authenticity. This can involve checking the URL for minor discrepancies from the genuine site, examining the app's reviews and developer information in the app store, and cross-verifying offers.
3. Use of Secure Payment Methods:
Opt for credit cards, which typically offer better fraud protection than debit cards. Virtual credit cards and payment services that provide a layer of anonymity and security can further safeguard your transactions.
4. Comprehensive Security Software Installation:
Choose antivirus and anti-malware software from reputable companies. Regularly update this software to protect against the latest threats. Consider additional security layers like firewalls and email scanning tools.
5. Thorough Research and Review:
Before making a purchase, especially from a new or unfamiliar site, conduct thorough research. Check for customer reviews, compare prices with other well-known retailers, and search for additional information about the retailer.
By adhering to these expanded guidelines, shoppers can greatly enhance their online safety, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals without falling prey to cyber threats. Stay informed, stay sceptical, and shop smart!
