Black Friday Shopping Frenzy: 5 Cybersecurity Tips

Scammers are quick to exploit holidays and times of crisis, preying on unsuspecting people when they're most focused on deals or distractions, so staying alert is essential during Black Friday.

The excitement around Black Friday is hard to resist—it’s the time of year when everyone’s inbox is packed with incredible deals, promising huge savings on all the items you've been waiting to buy. But as discounts soar, so do the risks. Scammers see Black Friday deals as their opportunity, too, targeting Black Friday shoppers with fake websites, phishing emails, and more. Don't let these Black Friday cyber threats spoil your shopping experience. Here’s what to watch for and some easy hacks to keep you safe while you snag those deals.

Black Friday Cybersecurity Threats to Watch Out For

As you dive into online shopping during Black Friday, remember that staying vigilant is a key part of cybersecurity awareness—something we emphasize regularly. Knowing what to watch for sharpens your cybersecurity 'spidey-sense,' helping you spot potential cyber threats and stay safe while shopping online.

• Phishing emails and fake deals: cybercriminals love to send out fake emails disguised as incredible Black Friday deals. These emails look like they’re from your favorite brands, but clicking the links could lead you to harmful sites that steal your personal info. Always think twice before clicking on a deal that seems too good to be true!
• Imposter websites: fake websites are another trap to avoid. They’re designed to look just like real online retailers, often with small changes in the URL that are hard to notice. These sites collect sensitive information like credit card numbers and personal details, without delivering the goods.
• Unsecured payment methods: not all online retailers are equipped with secure payment gateways. During peak shopping periods like Black Friday, it’s crucial to ensure you’re shopping on websites that use HTTPS encryption. Otherwise, you risk your payment details falling into the wrong hands.

Smart Shopping Tips for a Safe Black Friday

With all the frenzy out there, Black Friday shoppers can feel like they’re swimming with sharks! But don’t worry—these smart shopping hacks will help you navigate the waters safely and snag the best deals.

1. Use a password manager: managing accounts on multiple online shopping sites can be overwhelming. Password managers, like Sticky Password, can generate and store strong, unique passwords for each site, saving you from reusing weak or repetitive ones. Sticky Password also securely stores your payment details, meaning you don’t have to re-enter them each time – a safe and convenient way to keep your data under wraps.
2. Double-check deals on the official website: if you find an enticing deal in your email, resist the urge to click directly on the link. Instead, head to the online retailer’s official website and search for the deal there. This simple step can help you avoid phishing links and confirm that the deal is legitimate.
3. Unsecured payment methods: not all online retailers are equipped with secure payment gateways. During peak shopping periods like Black Friday, it’s crucial to ensure you’re shopping on websites that use HTTPS encryption. Otherwise, you risk your payment details falling into the wrong hands.
4. Stay secure with a VPN: shopping on public Wi-Fi? Using a VPN can encrypt your connection, ensuring your personal and payment information stays private. This is especially important if you’re shopping from a café, library, or other public space where Wi-Fi may be unsecured.
5. Use credit over debit: when online shopping, opt to use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards often offer better protection against fraud, making it easier to dispute suspicious charges if something goes wrong.
6. Follow security measures during Black Friday: From ensuring your Wi-Fi connection is secure to avoiding overly personal information requests, practicing simple security measures during Black Friday can make all the difference in keeping your shopping safe.

Shop Smart and Stay Safe This Black Friday

Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Black Friday is all about getting great deals, but it doesn’t have to mean taking risks. By following these tips and using secure tools, you can focus on finding the best prices with peace of mind. Keep your passwords safe, your details secure, and enjoy your holiday shopping without worry.

Happy shopping!