WASHINGTON — The stores are cramped, the crowds are pushy. Shopping online for Black Friday deals might seem like the way to go, but it could also open people up to hackers and scammers.
Cyber security experts warn consumers about providing too much information over the Internet.
“During the holiday season, you can be in such a rush and let your guard down,” Scott Boding, director of order screening at CyberSource, told the Los Angeles Times.
Tips for avoiding scams include typing in an entire web address, rather than clicking on the auto fill option. Also, make sure websites have “www” or “http” before the address.
Update anti-virus and anti-spyware software before that shopping spree, and only use a secure wireless connection.
It’s not a bad idea to strengthen passwords — make them unique to each site and don’t use anything that can be easily guessed, like names or birthdays.
Also, consider using a credit card instead of a debit card, which can make bank account numbers vulnerable.
