Keeping safe on Cyber Monday
Before taking advantage of today's hottest online shopping deals, consumers should be aware of a few potentially dangerous traps to avoid on Cyber Monday.
According to CBS News, one of the biggest online security threats to watch out for will be fraudulent social media promotions. Millions of online shoppers turn to Facebook and Twitter to not only acquire online coupons and promotional codes from merchants, but share them with their friends as well. Cybercriminals have taken notice and are expected to pose as both friends and businesses to generate and circulate fake postings.
To avoid falling victim to these online scams, CBS recommends visiting a retailer's site directly, as opposed to clicking on potentially infected links. Consumers should be skeptical of any "deal" that asks them to provide private information or download a program or application.
Smartphones and tablets will also serve as hot beds of cybercriminal activity, according to Computerworld. Citing data from Wakefield Research, the report said the average price of the most expensive items purchased by mobile shoppers is $274, representing a real opportunity for motivated hackers.
With mobile malware on the rise, CBS encouraged shoppers to be especially wary of scanning quick response codes with their mobile devices since they take consumers directly to a site without first displaying the web address.
