Cyber Monday is here – a day to steal great online deals during this holiday shopping season, but it’s also an opportunity for cyber criminals to steal from shoppers.

So, before you start shopping for your Sailor, family and friends, put the below tips from the Department of Homeland Security on your list as must haves. All hands need to practice cybersecurity because the threat is real:

• Remembering to hover over hyperlinks and think before you click. A common phishing tactic during the holidays is a phony email saying an order has shipped, with links like “Click here for expected delivery date” or prompts for your login and password to a particular website.
• Avoiding making purchases over public Wi-Fi. Use your cellular data for financial transactions instead.
• Using your credit card rather than your debit card for online purchases. Credit cards offer more consumer protections if your card is compromised and will not impact your checking account like a debit card. Continue to monitor your credit card and bank statements regularly to detect any fraudulent activity that might go unnoticed.
• Choosing encrypted shopping websites for safer transactions. There are two ways to tell if a site uses encryption: a closed padlock icon in the status bar at the bottom of your browser window or at the top of the browser window, or a website address that begins with “https:” rather than just “http:”.
• Heeding “certificate error” messages. If you receive a notice that says “certificate error,” examine who issued the certificate, ensure the name matches the site you are visiting, and ensure the certificate has not expired.
• Downloading vetted apps. Never install software outside of your phone’s designated app store, and only use trusted vendor apps when shopping from your phone.
• Creating strong passwords. Avoid using the same password for your online accounts; otherwise, one compromised account can translate to multiple compromised accounts.

It’s also a good idea to use a virtual private network any time you connect to the internet using a Wi-Fi network that you don’t recognize. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, providing enhanced online security.

We’re in the cyber fight 24/7. Ransomware attacks, identity theft and online credit card fraud can be devastating, and these are just a few of the many types of malicious software and network attacks. If you’ve never been the victim of a breach, consider yourself lucky, but don’t let your luck lead you to complacency.

Check out this blog for more information about how to go from vulnerable to cyber secure.

http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2018/11/25/tis-the-season-to-practice-cybersecurity/ U.S. Navy