Holiday shopping is expected to rise to nearly a trillion dollars in November and December of 2024, while holiday travel is also on course to set a record with nearly 100 million people taking trips. The personal information that fuels the retail and travel sectors is often a target for malicious actors. Preserving your data and privacy during the holidays is more important than ever. Follow these tips from Safe Computing to get started.
Secure Your Devices
Start with basic security for your personal devices. Some top tips include:
- Update your OS, software, and apps, especially web browsers!
- Use a known, secure network (home, MWireless, or your phone’s hotspot).
- Avoid public networks and turn off wireless auto-connect.
See Secure Your Devices for our full list of tips for securing your personal devices.
Shop Securely
Online shopping now accounts for a third of all holiday spending, making this a prime time for cybercrime. Some best practices for online shopping include:
- Don’t click on links in emails or social media feeds.
- Be wary of any offer that seems too good to be true; it probably is.
- Use a vendor’s official app on mobile devices.
- Be mindful when sharing personal information or giving permission to access data from your other apps.
- Choose one credit card for online purchases and avoid using debit cards online.
- Check your credit card and bank statements regularly.
To learn more, see Protect Your Online Shopping on Safe Computing.
Travel Tips
Visiting friends and family or escaping the chilly Michigan weather? Follow these tips to reduce risks to your devices and data:
- Keep your devices locked. Set devices to lock after a few minutes of inactivity, and get in the habit of locking them when you’re done using them.
- Don’t announce your travel plans on social media, especially if your home will be empty while you’re gone. Wait to wow your online friends with stories and photos when you return.
Don’t forget kids’ devices and internet usage. Update and protect their devices like yours, and discuss online activities such as social media use, and important issues such as privacy safety when sharing.
See Travel Safely With Technology on Safe Computing for more tips about tech and travel.
ITS Information Assurance wishes you and yours a safe, secure, and happy holiday season!
