Stay safe with these cybersecurity tips.
The festive season approaches, and with it the promise of super deals online – the perfect start to your holiday shopping. Unfortunately, this is also a great time of year for cybercriminals looking to scam online shoppers.
Follow these guidelines when you buy online and stay cybersafe.
- Use your own device: When making online purchases, use your own personal devices as much as possible and avoid entering your personal information and login credentials on public computers.
- Beware of links in suspicious emails, text messages and on social media: Phishing emails are the most common way to steal personal information, such as username, password, and more. Do not click any links in messages you weren’t expecting – instead, follow up with the sender to ensure it is legitimate (and not by replying to the email). Remember that McGill will never ask you to provide your personal information in an email. How to identify phishing emails
- Don’t purchase from websites or apps that you are unsure of: Online search results for products and companies can often include websites and apps that are not legitimate. Always verify that you are using a company’s official app or website before making a purchase. How to spot an unsafe online store
- Pay by credit card: Liability for fraudulent charges on credit cards is generally limited to $50, and some providers offer 100% purchase protection. Do not pay by cheque, wire transfer, money order or gift card. Sellers that demand these types of payments are scammers, and unlike with credit cards or reputable e-pay services, it's unlikely you'll be able to recover your money.
- Ensure that your operating system, software, and antivirus are up to date: When your devices and software are updated with the latest versions and security patches, they will be less vulnerable to cyber attacks. Consult the IT Knowledge Base article Guidance on antivirus solutions for home use for more information.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your accounts: 2FA provides an extra layer of protection for your credentials. Even if a cybercriminal steals your password, they will need additional information to access your account, such as a code generated from a mobile app or a one-time code sent via text message.
For more tips on staying safe online during the holiday season and throughout the year:
- Spoofing: An introduction
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Learn to spot scams on classified advertising / marketplace websites - useful tips to help you identify signs of fraud.
- Have a cyber safe holiday - tips and resources from the Government of Canada
