Cyber Monday 2023 is crucial for online businesses and buyers as eCommerce's biggest season begins. As shops offer Cyber Monday promotions and discounts to capitalize on the increase in web traffic, millions of customers will enter their payment information online on November 27.
While it offers to attract shoppers online, it's crucial to follow a cybersecurity guide to navigate the hazards of this deal day.
Boston College cybersecurity specialist and professor Kevin Powers emphasized to KNX News' Jon Baird the importance of online shoppers taking proactive steps to protect themselves against thieves and hackers.
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Cyber Security Guide
Shoppers can protect themselves by using credit cards instead of debit cards. Be picky about where you find offers.
"Use home and work networks. Do not shop during your lunch break, at a coffee shop, or a hotel near your business using their Wifi," Powers said.
Powers also advised against clicking email links and instead visiting the store's protected website. The links may be phishing attempts to steal your personal information by acting as legitimate businesses.
Moreover, it is noted that solid and unique passwords should be set for all online shopping and financial accounts. Instead of common words or personal information, use symbols, numbers, and upper and lowercase characters. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for accounts and payment cards to prevent unwanted access.
Furthermore, Cyberready stated that consumers should be suspicious of unsolicited offers. An unsolicited offer that appears too good to be true probably is a scam. Cybercriminals regularly use these offers to trick consumers into phishing or malware attacks.
Buyers should not click on links in emails or SMS, especially from unknown senders. Use caution when opening unsolicited email attachments, which may contain malware.
Additionally, the website mentioned that using public or shared payment way when shopping online could be risky. Customers can use a PayPal account, a credit card that protects against scams, or something else. Because they offer less safety in case of fraud, debit and prepaid cards should not be used.
Cyber Monday: Biggest Online Shopping of the Year
People are searching the web for online deals as Cyber Monday starts to end the five-day shopping extravaganza that began after Thanksgiving.
Electronic shopping is now a regular part of people's lives and a big part of the holiday shopping season. However, Cyber Monday, a term created by the National Retail Federation in 2005, is still the most significant day for online shopping, thanks to the deals and excitement the industry has made to support it.
Adobe Analytics keeps track of online shopping and thinks people will spend $12 billion to $12 billion on Monday, making it the most significant online buying day ever.
The "Cyber Monday" sale at some big stores lasts several days and starts over the weekend. One of them, Amazon's, began on Saturday and ends on Monday. Sunday night was the start of Target's two-day event, while Sunday evening was the start of Walmart's latest sales.
Cyber Week is the five big shopping days between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday. How much people spend during Cyber Week indicates how much they are ready to spend during the holiday season.
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