Security

6 Handy Tips for Safe Online Holiday Shopping

Posted on by Mark Johnson
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Safe Online Holiday Shopping

As the holiday season draws near, many of us are surely thinking about making purchases. Thanks to the e-commerce revolution, there’s no need to spend your time wandering through crowded malls or trekking for miles to get your favorite items. Online shopping offers a convenient and hassle-free alternative, sparing you from mall traffic and large crowds. Check out the following safe online holiday shopping tips


While online shopping has undoubtedly made our lives more convenient, it has also brought to light certain issues related to your finances and personal identity. It’s no secret that the holiday season is a prime time for cybercriminals and online retailers alike. Some see it as an opportunity for online theft and profit.

In other words, there are numerous fraudulent online shopping websites run by unscrupulous individuals who aim to rob your account or credit card details. If you’re planning to do your holiday shopping online this year, identifying a secure vendor is crucial to safeguard your hard-earned money.

Tips for Safe Online Holiday Shopping

1. Keep Your Personal Info Private

Always remember, when shopping online, there’s no need to share extensive personal information. If an online vendor requests an excessive amount of data, consider it a red flag and explore other options. No legitimate shopping website should ever ask for your social security number or personal details to sell you a product.

2. Choose Secure Websites

This is one of the most critical steps to prevent online scams. Always opt for well-established and reputable retailers like Amazon or eBay. Doing business with an unfamiliar online entity can lead to significant losses.

3. Utilize Your Credit Cards

 As a holiday shopper, using your credit cards often comes with liability protection. If someone unlawfully uses your credit card, federal regulations usually mean you can wait to pay until the matter is thoroughly investigated. Your liability is capped if you report unauthorized charges within two days. Using your credit card for online shopping is a smart move.

4. Fortify Your Account with a Strong Password

Creating a secure password for your online account is essential in protecting yourself from online scams.

Here are some tips:

  • Avoid using easily guessable personal information like your kids’ names, birthdays, or favorite colors.
  • Always use a complex combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers.

5. Beware of Phishing Scams

Phishing is a common fraudulent attempt to acquire your sensitive account or credit card information. You might receive enticing emails, especially during the holiday season, offering special discounts. Never click on emails from unknown senders promising incredible deals, as they may contain malware or viruses.

6. Avoid Public Wi-Fi

While public Wi-Fi at malls, cafes, or restaurants may seem tempting, it can pose serious security risks. Anyone can intercept your device or online activities and exploit your personal information used for online shopping.

Summing Up

As we prepare for the holiday season and the joy of online shopping takes center stage, let’s remember the importance of balancing convenience with security. While online shopping has made our lives easier, it’s also brought about new challenges that we need to be mindful of.

Keeping your money and personal information safe during this festive time is a top priority. By following the tips we’ve discussed, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to online scams or dubious sellers.

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Mark Johnson
Senior Technology Consultant at  | + posts

Mark Johnson is a passionate technology professional with over 11 years of experience in the Managed Services IT space and a wide variety of industry-leading certifications. Mark’s extensive Managed IT experience and aptitude for quickly learning and adapting to new technologies has equipped him to offer valuable insight across a broad spectrum of business technology solutions.

Mark Johnson

Mark Johnson is a passionate technology professional with over 11 years of experience in the Managed Services IT space and a wide variety of industry-leading certifications. Mark’s extensive Managed IT experience and aptitude for quickly learning and adapting to new technologies has equipped him to offer valuable insight across a broad spectrum of business technology solutions. Mark's fascination with technology began at a young age when he learned to navigate DOS so that he could play games on his brother's Tandy 386 computer. Over the subsequent years, Mark developed skills in photography, videography, and non-linear editing, and he eventually studied Television Production. He worked on the sound team at his church and developed himself in technical and non-technical leadership roles. Ultimately, Mark’s desire to be always learning, progressing, and developing his knowledge led him to a career in Information Technology. As an IT Professional and consultant, Mark enjoys meeting with organizational leadership to understand their business, their team, their technology infrastructure, and their budget so that he can work closely with them to build solutions that leverage technology as a competitive advantage rather than a liability. His genuine openness and transparency allow him to quickly connect with clients to build lasting relationships based on trust and mutual respect. One of Mark’s greatest assets is his ability to listen and empathize with his clients, enabling him to understand their perspective and develop a unique plan to accommodate their needs. Whether that means reducing IT spend without impacting productivity or reducing the technology footprint in the network closet by transitioning systems and services to the cloud, his commitment to integrity and proven results has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor to his clients. Mark is a devoted family man who prioritizes his role as a husband and father. He loves to spend time with his wife and three beautiful children hiking together, exploring new places, cooking new foods, and appreciating quiet evenings at home. His family is also actively involved in their local church, where they enjoy serving and contributing to the community. In conclusion, Mark Johnson is a passionate, family-oriented, and highly skilled technology professional with a wealth of experience in the Managed Services IT space. His love for technology, combined with his dedication to his clients, has made him a sought-after advisor and solution builder in the industry. "Even the most daunting of tasks is made up of many small steps. The key to success is to begin somewhere. Life is full of beginnings, and none of them are easy, but if you never get started, you’ll never enjoy the fruit of discipline or the possibility of achievement." - Mark Johnson