🔐 Shop Smart, Stay Cyber-Safe This festive Season!

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This week we’re looking at staying cyber-safe this festive season.

As a managed services provider, we often talk about protecting your business from cyberthreats—but safeguarding your personal data is just as important.

With Black Friday, Cyber Monday, festive shopping, and end-of-year sales approaching, online activity will surge.

Black Friday is next week, and many retailers have already launched their deals. While scoring bargains is exciting, cybercriminals are just as eager—for your personal data.

Don’t let a “too-good-to-be-true” offer turn into a nightmare. Here’s how to shop safely online:

Top Tips for Safe Online Shopping

  1. Think before you click – avoid clicking on random ads or links promising “exclusive deals.” Instead, go directly to the retailer’s official website to confirm the offer is genuine.
  2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) – MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. This could be biometrics (fingerprint) or a one-time code sent to your phone or email. Combine this with strong, unique passwords.
  3. Keep your devices updated – ensure all internet-connected devices — PCs, smartphones, tablets — are running the latest software and app versions.
  4. Choose secure payment methods – credit cards offer stronger consumer protections than debit cards for purchases over ÂŁ100. Alternatively, use trusted third-party payment services like PayPal, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.
  5. Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases – public Wi-Fi is convenient but not secure. Don’t shop online while connected to it. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or wait until you’re on a trusted network at home.

 

What’s at Risk if You Fall Victim to a Cyberthreat?

  • Device compromise: malware infections can leave you without access for days or weeks.
  • Loss of access: your social accounts or websites could be locked or stolen.
  • Financial impact: fraudulent transactions, stolen bank details, or payments to fake sellers can cost you money and time.
  • Emotional toll: falling victim to cybercrime can feel overwhelming and stressful — don’t underestimate the mental impact.

 

✅ Take action now: Review your online security settings, update your passwords, and enable MFA before the shopping season kicks off.If you’d like more guidance or tools to keep your data safe, talk to us!

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