Tips to shop safely online during Black Friday frenzy

As the bustling shopping season approaches with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, consumers and retailers alike are gearing up for what promises to be a whirlwind of online activity. The anticipation of snagging a fantastic deal is tempered by the ever-present threat of online scams—a cautionary reality for bargain hunters. Last year alone, Australians were targeted by online shopping scams, resulting in losses of approximately AUD $14.9 million.

To help consumers navigate this potential minefield, experts from Nsoft have put forth crucial safety tips aimed at ensuring a secure online shopping experience.

Marijofil Galić, a software specialist at Nsoft, underscores the importance of cautious spending and careful dissemination of personal information over the internet.

"The internet is full of scams," he notes, "but there are ways to make sure you're protected against them."

Galić advises shoppers to adopt strong, unique passwords for each account, asserting that weak ones are a scammer's ideal entry point. He also recommends using a password manager to securely track these passwords.

For those eager to shop, verifying the authenticity of retailers becomes vital. This means sticking to reputable websites and avoiding dubious sales links from unfamiliar senders. With scammers often setting up lookalike websites, it's essential to verify URLs before making any purchases.

Using public Wi-Fi during online shopping expeditions could expose buyers to monitoring by cybercriminals.

Galić advises avoiding such networks or, alternatively, using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security. Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is another strategy he supports, as it offers an additional security layer if a password is compromised. Vigilance extends to bank and credit card statements, where any unauthorized transactions should prompt immediate reporting to the respective bank.

While consumers are urged to remain vigilant, retailers must also bolster their digital defences during these high-traffic sales events. Craig Searle, director of consulting and professional services for the Pacific region at Trustwave, highlights the importance of robust incident response and disaster recovery measures.

"Minimizing downtime is essential for maintaining sales and customer trust," Searle asserts.

Preparation for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, according to Searle, requires not just routine check-ups but a comprehensive assessment of core applications and infrastructure.

Retailers are encouraged to identify and remedy any potential vulnerabilities well ahead of these peak shopping days. "Think of this preparation as akin to a health check-up before a major vacation; it's about ensuring everything is functioning optimally," Searle explains. Being proactive in these areas can help mitigate any disruptions, thereby safeguarding both sales figures and the hard-earned trust of customers.

The excitement around Black Friday and Cyber Monday is palpable, promising significant savings for consumers and a spike in revenue for retailers. Yet, as the digital landscape becomes ever more fraught with threats, the significance of preparedness and security cannot be overstated.

By applying safety measures, both consumers and businesses can look forward to a successful and secure shopping extravaganza.