Holiday surfing advice from us at Norton, the internet protection expert
Long cold winter nights; it’s that time of year when most people just want to lock the doors and curl up in the warmth (often with their favourite tablet or mobile device). With so much time spent at home, online activity tends to increase considerably as more evenings are spent surfing the internet, indulging in some online retail therapy, playing games online or keeping up with friends via social media. In September this year Deloitte estimated that online sales now account for the equivalent of more than 60 million square feet of retail space, and this Christmas more shoppers than ever will browse and buy from the comfort of their own home or while on the move with their mobile device. However, during these tranquil and lazy evenings, it is important to remain vigilant; just because you’re comfortable and secure at home, perhaps relaxing and getting into the festive spirit with a nutmeg spiced latte, doesn’t mean that opportunistic cybercriminals will also be taking a break!
The 2012 Norton Cybercrime Report found that cybercrime costs the UK economy £69 billion per year. During the holiday season especially, more financial transactions will take place than at any other time of the year. Cybercriminals have been known to set up fraudulent websites that seem to offer great deals, when in fact they are merely traps hoping to entice unwitting consumers to enter their personal payment details. Online shopping over the festive season is an ever-increasing phenomenon - the percentage of gifts purchased online increased 85% year-over-year between 2010 and 2011 and signs are that 2012 will see another significant increase. Whilst it is great that consumers are benefitting from the convenience and choice that an online shopping experience brings, it is also important that they protect themselves from the growing array of online threats out there as they use their cards and personal details online. Norton by Symantec has issued the following tips for protected online shopping to make sure it is not a bumper holiday season for cyber criminals and scammers.
Norton’s Top 5 Tips for a Winter of Protected Web Surfing:
- Be wary of unsecured or unknown websites – When shopping online, always use reputable outlets and make sure that any transactions you make only take place across secure pages – this is usually denoted by a padlock sign in your browser address bar. Look for the Norton secured logo to be sure that the site is legitimate.
- Watch out for spam emails – “This year’s top toy 80% cheaper than the high street” or “Win all your holiday gifts and get them delivered direct to your door!” Seem too good to be true? Well, it most probably is. Cybercriminals are fully aware of the searches we make online during certain times of the year and they know the kind of emails we wish would land in our inbox. Always be cautious of any emails you receive from unknown recipients or that seem just that bit too generous.
- Be careful on social networking sites – Criminal gangs have been known to monitor people’s social profiles to find out when they’re going away (for example staying with relatives over the holiday period and their home will be left empty). Be mindful of this when telling the world that you’ll be spending the two weeks over the festive season away from your own home.
- Keep personal information secured – Make sure that whatever you happen to be doing this winter that you do not to give out any personal information online. Always be cautious when befriending someone online, particularly via social networking sites where personal information may be easily exposed. People aren’t always who they say they are.
- Keep your mobile phone protected – Thieves are always on the lookout for opportunities; when out in large crowds doing your holiday shopping, always ensure that you know the whereabouts of your mobile phone and other personal belongings. Make sure that your mobile is pin-protected and that you have downloaded a security app which allows you to wipe any personal data, should your mobile be stolen.