10 Cybersecurity Best Practices for Black Friday Shopping
Every year, cybercriminals ramp up their efforts during the holidays, when people are distracted, rushing, and sharing more financial information online than usual. As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to scoring great deals during Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but following cybersecurity best practices is essential as you shop. From new gadgets to home essentials, online shopping makes it easier than ever to cross off your gift list without leaving the couch. But while the discounts might be real, so are the risks.
At ThrottleNet, we’re passionate about helping businesses our community stay protected at work and at home. Even though this isn’t a technical deep dive, these simple, practical steps, rooted in smart cybersecurity best practices, can help you shop confidently and securely this holiday season.
1. Shop Only on Trusted Websites
It’s easy to get caught up in flashy deals or “exclusive offers” that pop up in ads or emails, but always take a moment to double-check the source.
Stick with retailers you know and trust. Major brands like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target invest heavily in cybersecurity to protect your transactions.
Verify the web address. A secure website should start with “https://” (the “s” stands for secure). Also, be wary of subtle misspellings like “BestBy.com” or “Amaz0n.net” are common tricks scammers use to lure shoppers.
Avoid third-party sellers unless they’re verified by the platform. Even on reputable sites, some independent sellers may not follow the same security standards.
2. Watch Out for Phishing Scams
Phishing is one of the most common tactics used to steal your personal and financial data. Around the holidays, inboxes and text messages overflow with fake order confirmations, “urgent account updates,” and shipping notifications.
Don’t click links from unknown senders. If an email claims to be from UPS or Amazon, log in directly through their official website to check your orders.
Hover before you click. On a computer, hover over a link to see the real URL before selecting it. If it doesn’t match the company’s legitimate site, delete it.
Be cautious with attachments. No retailer should ever send you attachments to view your “receipt” or “invoice.” These often contain malware.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
If your password is “password123,” you’re making a hacker’s job easy. Use a strong password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Better yet:
Use different passwords for different sites. That way, if one account is compromised, your others stay safe.
Consider a password manager. Tools like LastPass or Keeper can generate and store secure passwords for you.
Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). When possible, enable 2FA for an added layer of protection. Even if your password is stolen, cybercriminals can’t access your account without your second verification method.
4. Don’t Shop on Public Wi-Fi
It’s tempting to browse sales while sipping coffee at your favorite café. But public Wi-Fi networks are rarely secure. Hackers can intercept data sent over open connections, including your login credentials or credit card information.
If you must shop while away from home: Use your phone’s data connection instead of public Wi-Fi.
Consider a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN encrypts your connection, making it much harder for anyone to snoop on your activity.
5. Use Credit Cards, Not Debit Cards
When shopping online, your method of payment matters.
Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. If someone makes an unauthorized charge, you can dispute it without losing access to your bank account funds.
Virtual cards are a great option. Some banks and credit card companies allow you to generate temporary numbers for online purchases. These protect your real card number and can be closed easily if something goes wrong.
6. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Don’t wait until January to review your bank statements. Check your accounts weekly (or even daily during the holidays) for suspicious activity.
Set up account alerts so you get notified when purchases are made. Report suspicious charges immediately. Most banks can freeze your card and issue a new one within days.
7. Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Deals
If a website is offering a $2,000 laptop for $200, it’s probably not legit. Cybercriminals know that big discounts attract quick clicks.
Research unfamiliar stores. Look up reviews, check for physical addresses, and see how long the domain has existed. A brand-new website that just launched this week might be a red flag.
Be cautious with ads on social media. Scammers often use fake brand pages to sell counterfeit or non-existent products.
8. Keep Your Devices Updated
Cybersecurity isn’t just about behavior—it’s also about keeping your devices healthy. Install updates regularly. Patches often fix vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
Use reputable antivirus software. Even free tools can add an extra layer of defense. Enable automatic updates when possible so you never fall behind.
9. Think Before You Share
Online stores will ask for some personal information, but never more than necessary. Only fill out required fields. If a form asks for your Social Security number or unrelated personal data, it’s a red flag.
Avoid storing credit card info. It’s convenient, but it increases the risk if your account or the retailer’s database is compromised. Use separate email accounts for shopping to keep spam and potential phishing messages out of your main inbox.
10. Be Patient and Verify
During the holidays, shipping delays and inventory shortages are normal. Scammers take advantage of that by sending fake “delivery failed” notifications or offering unrealistic shipping guarantees.
Verify tracking numbers directly through the courier’s official site. Contact customer service through verified channels, not through links in emails or texts.
Safe Shopping Is Smart Shopping
Cybersecurity might not be the first thing on your mind when you’re chasing Black Friday deals, but it should be part of the process. By following these steps and applying everyday cybersecurity best practices, you’re not only protecting your wallet but also your identity, data, and peace of mind.
At ThrottleNet, we help businesses stay secure every day. So remember that a great deal isn’t really a deal if it costs you your security. And staying mindful of basic cybersecurity best practices ensures you stay protected all season long.
Jeremiah Jeffers
Business Development Assistant
[email protected]
