Cyber Monday is the perfect time to snag amazing deals, but it’s also a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to target online shoppers.

Protect yourself and your data with these do’s and don’ts for safe online shopping.

1. Use Strong and Unique Passwords

1. • Do: Create long (12+ characters), complex passwords with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.
   • Don’t: Use easily guessable passwords like your name, “123456,” or birthdays.

2. Opt for Credit Cards Over Debit Cards

1. • Do: Use credit cards for their superior fraud protection and limited liability.
   • Don’t: Shop with debit cards as they link directly to your bank account, increasing risks.

3. Protect Your Personal Information

1. • Do: Share only what’s necessary for a transaction.
   • Don’t: Provide sensitive data like Social Security numbers or mother’s maiden name unless required for legitimate reasons.

4. Check Website Security

1. • Do: Shop on websites with a padlock icon and URLs starting with “https://.”
   • Don’t: Trust sites with “http://”—they lack encryption.

5. Use a VPN for Privacy

1. • Do: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security, especially on public Wi-Fi.
   • Don’t: Make purchases on open networks without encryption.

6. Avoid Storing Payment Information Online

1. • Do: Decline offers to save your card details on websites.
   • Don’t: Trust every website with your payment info unless it’s a well-known platform with robust security.

7. Keep Your Devices Secure

1. • Do: Update your devices and antivirus software regularly.
   • Don’t: Ignore prompts for software updates or neglect security patches.

8. Shop with Trusted Retailers

1. • Do: Stick to well-known sites or check reviews for unfamiliar ones. Look for security certifications or trust badges.
   • Don’t: Shop on websites with poor reviews or questionable credibility.

9. Watch for Phishing Scams

1. • Do: Verify deals directly on retail websites instead of clicking unsolicited links.
   • Don’t: Trust “too good to be true” offers from unknown senders.

10. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

• • Do: Set up MFA on your shopping accounts for an extra layer of security.
  • Don’t: Rely on just a password for account protection.

11. Monitor Financial Statements Regularly

• • Do: Check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges. Set up transaction alerts if available.
  • Don’t: Delay reporting suspicious activity to your bank or card issuer.

12. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Shopping

• • Do: Use a VPN if shopping on public networks.
  • Don’t: Enter payment details on open or unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

13. Look Out for Fake Reviews

1. • Do: Check for verified reviews and a balance of positive and negative feedback.
   • Don’t: Trust overwhelmingly positive reviews that seem too perfect.

14. Use Trusted Payment Platforms

1. • Do: Use secure platforms like PayPal or Apple Pay for transactions.
   • Don’t: Enter card details on unfamiliar or suspicious websites.

15. Avoid Suspicious Pop-Up Ads

1. • Do: Stick to the retailer’s official site for deals.
   • Don’t: Click on pop-ups or unfamiliar ads promoting unbelievable discounts.