How To Stay Safe On Cyber Monday

Monica Morris • Nov 21, 2018

With a busy holiday weekend ahead of us and Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner, we felt it’s a great time to share an interview with the President and CEO of SDTEK on KUSI NEWS about how to shop safe on Cyber Monday.

Here are some helpful tips on how to stay safe online, shop securely, and minimize your chances of becoming a victim of a cyber attack.

Email Scams

If the email looks like it could be a scam, we recommend going directly to the website of the organization that you are receiving an email from. Especially if the email is very specific. In general, email is the #1 way ransomware, viruses, and accounts get compromised.

Promotional Emails

If you receive a promotional email about Black Friday deals or Cyber Monday specials and it looks like it could be a scam, do not click on the links inside this email. Go directly to the website of the company sending this email and view the promotions on their website.

Help from a Search Engine

If you receive an email from a lesser known online retailer, use a search engine to research the web address used in the email for the online retailer. Search engines can sort through and identify if the website url is safe or not. Therefore, you should know from the first or second page of your search results, with a search engine such as Google, if the website is legit or a scam.

Is The Website Secure?

When visiting an online retailer – make sure the website is secure. You will want to make sure the website is secure by looking to see if there is a “s” in the “https” portion of their website address. A lot of major retailers do provide a secure online shopping experience, however, there are websites out there that do not provide adequate protection. At a minimum you want to make sure the “log-in” and “check out” process is secure on a website.

Avoid Using A Debit Card

For online purchases, try to avoid using a debit card. We do highly recommend to use a credit card for an online purchase. Using a credit card offers better consumer protection than using a debit card. If you experience a fraudulent online transaction with your debit card – this will immediately impact the cash that is linked to that debit card, whether that is a checking account or savings account. In an instant, the money that is linked to your debit card will be gone.

Check Before You Click.

If you see an ad and it’s a bit suspicious, and it reads something like “Click Here To Buy”, we recommend running your mouse over the button first before clicking on it. In your web browser, on the bottom left corner, the website address will appear and show you which web address you will be taken to upon making that click. This will help to confirm you are heading to the retailer’ website of your choice.

It’s OK to Hesitate

If anything seems out of the norm, it’s okay to hesitate! When in doubt, if you find yourself questioning if an email looks like it could be a scam, do not click on anything in that email. Instead open up a new browser window and simply go directly to the website.

We wish you a great holiday season and remember to stay safe when online shopping!

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
Share by: