Be Wary of Phishing Scams Targeting Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shoppers
As the holiday shopping season approaches, cybercriminals are gearing up to exploit the increased online activity. A new wave of phishing attacks is targeting unsuspecting shoppers, aiming to steal sensitive personal and financial information.
How to Protect Yourself:
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Verify Website Authenticity:
- Check the URL: Be cautious of typosquatting, where scammers mimic legitimate websites with slight URL variations.
- Look for HTTPS: Ensure the website uses a secure HTTPS connection, indicated by a padlock icon in the address bar.
- Inspect Website Design: Look for poor grammar, misspellings, or unprofessional design elements.
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Avoid Suspicious Deals:
- Scrutinise Discounts: Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
- Research Online Retailers: Check reviews and ratings to verify the legitimacy of the website.
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Use Strong, Unique Passwords:
- Create Strong Passphrases: Combine words and numbers to make passwords difficult to crack.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
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Be Cautious of Phishing Emails:
- Verify Sender Addresses: Double-check the sender's email address for any irregularities.
- Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Hover over links to see the actual destination URL before clicking.
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Keep Your Software Updated:
- Install Security Patches: Regularly update your operating system and web browser to protect against vulnerabilities.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these malicious attacks. Happy and safe holiday shopping!
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