Stay Safe Online This Holiday Season

Woman shopping online

As an IT professional, I often hear the same worry from friends and family: “Everything is online now—how do I stay safe?” The truth is, you don’t have to be a tech expert to protect yourself. A few smart habits can make a big difference, especially during the busy holiday shopping season when cybercriminals work overtime.

Below are simple, everyday cybersecurity practices that anyone can use to stay safe, confident, and protected online.

Shop Only From Trusted Websites

 The holiday season brings amazing deals—but also fake websites designed to steal your money or personal information.

How to stay safe:

• Always type the website address yourself (for example, amazon.com) instead of clicking unexpected links.

• Look for https:// in the browser bar (the “s” means secure).

• Be cautious of prices that look too good to be true. They usually are.

Never Click Links From Unknown Emails or Texts

Scammers send emails or texts pretending to be delivery companies, banks, or stores. One click can download malware or steal your login details.

What to do instead:

• If you’re unsure, go directly to the company’s official website to check your account.

• Delete messages that feel urgent or threatening. Scammers use pressure to get quick reactions.

Use Strong Passwords (and a Password Manager)

Using the same password everywhere is like having one key for your house, car, and job—if someone steals it, they have access to everything.

Better habits:

• Create long passwords (12+ characters). 

• Mix letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Try a password manager like LastPass, 1Password, or Bitwarden to keep everything secure and easy.

  
  

Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an extra layer of protection by asking you to confirm your identity with a code sent to your phone or email.

Why it matters: Even if someone steals your password, they still can’t get into your account without the code.

Turn it on for:

• Email

• Banking apps

• Social media

• Online shopping accounts

Beware of Public Wi-Fi

Coffee shops, airports, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi—but it’s not always secure.

Safer options:

• Avoid shopping, logging into banks, or entering personal information on public Wi-Fi.

• Use your phone’s hotspot or wait until you’re on a secure home network.

Keep Your Devices Updated

Updates are not just annoying pop-ups—they often fix security weaknesses.

Make it easy:

• Turn on automatic updates on your phone, laptop, and apps.

• Restart your devices at least once a week.

  
  

Monitor Your Bank and Credit Accounts

The faster you catch suspicious activity, the quicker you can stop it.

Good habits:

• Check your accounts once a week.

• Set up text alerts for unusual transactions.

• Review orders after big shopping days.

Use Secure Payment Methods

Credit cards and services like PayPal or Apple Pay offer better fraud protection than debit cards.

Avoid:Direct bank transfers to sellers you do not know.

Do:Use secure checkout options on websites you trust.

Be Careful With What You Share Online

Cybercriminals love personal details—they help them guess passwords or impersonate you.

Avoid sharing:

• Your full birthdate

• Home address

• Travel plans

• Answers to security questions

• Personal info on social media quizzes

Back Up Your Important Files

If your device is ever hacked or infected, backups can save your photos, documents, and memories.

Easy backup options:

• iCloud

• Google Drive

• External hard drives

• Aim to back up monthly.

In conclusion, cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. By practicing a few safe habits each day—especially during the holiday shopping season—you can protect your money, your identity, and your peace of mind.

Share these tips with family and friends. The more informed we all are, the safer we become.

Teresa