Tips to Improve Holiday Cyber Shopping Security
- By Matt Holden
- Dec 16, 2014
Jeff Barto, Inter security expert at Symantec, has listed some tips to help improve holiday shopping online.
One common mistake he identifies in shopping online in a public place. “If someone can find a way to compromise that connection, they can see what you’re doing – everyone around you,” Barto said.
Shopping online from home or a work computer is a safer option since they typically have a secure internet connection. If you have to shop in public, use your cell phone’s data network.
“They need to encrypt all the voice connections, therefore they encrypt all the data connections, too,” he said.
Another common mistake is using an outdated version of a web browser, as well as clicking on pop-ups or searching for the word “cheap.”
One should also check the https before a web address. The “s” stands for secure and indicates the webpage is encrypted.
Finally, don’t use weak passwords. “It’s easy (for a crook) to learn your spouse’s name or your pet’s name,” Barto said. He advises using a combination of at least ten letters, numbers and symbols, as well as changing it every day and using a different one on each site.
About the Author
Matt Holden is an Associate Content Editor for 1105 Media, Inc. He received his MFA and BA in journalism from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. He currently writes and edits for Occupational Health & Safety magazine, and Security Today.