Identity thieves and hackers try to take advantage of online and smartphone purchases all the time. Here are ten tips to help reduce the chances you will fall prey to someone trying to steal your identity or banking information.
- Consider security features before buying a smart device. Smart devices are getting more and more popular, but they come with a special set of potential security vulnerabilities. Ask the following security questions when purchasing a smartphone or device:
- Can you change default password?
- Does the manufacturer offer software updates?
- Do you have the ability to protect what data is shared?
- Update your security software. Before shopping online, check your firewall and download/update your antivirus software.
- Check out all sites, offers, and emails before you purchase. Make sure you're using legitimate, recognized sites for shopping. Before clicking on a link, perform a search for the company through your search engine. You should also closely examine the web address or email sender to confirm the company name is correct in the web address. Only make a purchase, select a link or download an attachment after you've completed your due diligence.
- Hackers may also try to lure you in by pretending to be your bank. While banks may send marketing messages via email, the best advice is to access your bank through your mobile app or directly entering the bank’s web address in your browser.
- Only use trusted Wi-Fi networks to make purchases. Attackers can create their own fake hotspots or hang around public connections. When you make purchases or check your bank account, use your password-protected home or office network.
- Waiting until you get to a secure Wi-Fi network connection will also save you money by reducing your impulse purchases for products that look like a great idea but you never wind up using.
- Sign up for alerts from your bank and/or credit card company. Monitor your bank accounts to be aware of fraudulent activity in the holiday season. Many service, credit and debit card providers let you set an alert for unusual activity on your account.
- Only visit secure sites with “https” in the web address. Look for the lock symbol and "https" at the start of every web address to make sure you're on a secure connection.
- Use a password manager. Password managers can store all of your passwords securely in one spot under one private, master password. Your password should be strong, consisting of alphanumeric and special characters. You can reset your Summit Broadband password at any time.
- Be wary of trick emails. Attackers may use fake emails designed as package trackers, and tracking links might lead to a virus or ransomware. Before selecting a link, be sure that you truly ordered merchandise from the company, or sign back in to their website to track your orders directly. Learn more about protecting yourself and your family.
- Check out the site's grammar, word choice and spelling. Attackers will sometimes use strange characters, misspelled names or words or improper sentence structure in the domain name or the site or email's content. It's unlikely a legitimate seller would have copy errors.
- Turn on two-factor authentication. If a service or account offers two-factor authentication (the ability to send you a verification code) and you don't already have it enabled, turn it on. Another tool is to use security key software. It makes accounts harder for hackers to access.