Quick Tips For Safe Online Shopping

Monica Morris • Nov 19, 2020

Please note this post was originally posted on December 12, 2018 and as been edited since then.

The holiday season is among us! To ensure that your online shopping experience will be merry and bright, here are a few select tips we’ve put together as a reminder on how to practice safe online shopping. Most importantly, always think before you click.

1) Shop only on websites that have an SSL encryption installed. Look to see if the url of the website you are on starts with a “HTTPS” instead of just a “HTTP” – this is how you will be able to tell if you are shopping on a secure website. An icon of a padlock should appear before the “HTTPS” in the address bar as well.

2) Stick with websites you are familiar with, that you trust and use regularly. Use websites that you have built credibility with you, that you have had a positive experience with.

3) Make sure you have antivirus software on your computer. If you already have an antivirus installed – take a moment and check to see if your antivirus software is up to date. Outdated antivirus software won’t help you and could make you vulnerable to new threats. The holiday season is the perfect time for cyber criminals to be lurking around and make an attack.

4) Online shopping is certainly at our fingertips with the ability to shop on a tablet and/or a mobile phone when out and about and so on. Sometimes we are overwhelmed with the feeling of “… I need that now!” when shopping on a website. But if you are out and not home on your own private wifi network, take precaution. Use a network that you know will be safe, such as a wifi network at Panera, Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, Target, etc. Tapping into an unknown network could be costly if it is unsecure. This opens up the possibility for sensitive information to be obtained by an untrusted source.

5) Don’t use promotional links in emails that look spammy or are simply from vendors you do not know. Trust us, it’s not worth the click. If you are interested in the promo, go directly to the website of that brand and view the ad directly from the source.

6) Create strong passwords! Especially during the holidays when you are online shopping and logging in and out of your favorite retailers sites – be sure your passwords are strong. For tips on how to create a strong and secure password, click here.

7) Holiday-themed apps or games are fun! But… be cautious if they are asking you to make any purchases.

8) If you are going to shop on your mobile device, shop within the apps that are provided by the retailer such as Target, Walmart and Amazon. To be safe, make a purchase directly within the apps of trusted retailers.

Just Added! 9) If you need to shop on the internet in Public Wi-Fi, you may want to considering using a VPN to keep you safe. A VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network.” A VPN provides a space that keeps hackers out while you can continue to work. It is an encrypted connection between your device and the VPN server. Adding another layer of protection while shopping online in a public space.

Just Added! 10) Not sure about the website your on but still want to make a purchase? Do a little investigating before completing your transaction. Maybe check out their social media pages… are they active on their social media? Are the social media pages up to date? Are they interacting well with visitors on sites such as Facebook, Instagram or Yelp? The hope is that there is good interactions and social media is being kept up-to-date. All of this can really help to keep you safe while shopping online.

Just Added! 11) Share as little personal information as possible. When shopping online, don’t share any extra information. Your name, address and credit card information should be enough for a purchase. If you share any other type of info such as your birth date or social security number – this can help cyber attackers cause a lot of harm to you and your accounts.

Just Added! 12) Keep a copy of the confirmation page from your online purchase. This will be handy to have in case anything looks phishy on your bank statement. If anything looks strange on your statements from a purchase, compare it to your confirmation page.

Lastly, one more EXTRA quick tip – make sure to monitor your bank and card activity. Now… go and enjoy the holidays with your family and friends! The team at SDTEK wishes you a very safe and wonderful holiday season!

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown

Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

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.

The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

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.
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