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Happy holiday online shopping

| December 10, 2018 1:14 PM

Digital retailers are expected to attract more holiday gift dollars than ever before. Consumers in the U.S. are expected to spend $124.1 billion online during this holiday season. That’s a 14.8 percent increase over last year’s online sales during November and December.

Gift givers are going mobile to conveniently compare products, read reviews and make purchasing decisions while out and about.

Technology also ranks high on shopping lists – from new laptops and gaming systems to tablets, the latest phones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices like video cameras, toys and appliances.

But there can be a downside to digital holiday shopping ease.

Don’t let a high tech grinch steal your joy

Whether you are giving the gift of connectivity or using it yourself, don’t let hackers mess with the merriment. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) reminds everyone that all devices connected to the internet – including mobile and IoT – must be protected.

And young people receiving technology for the first time need to understand how to use it safely and securely. In addition, older adults must make it their mission to continue to learn about and practice good cyber hygiene.

“All tech users – especially vulnerable audiences like teens and seniors – need to take responsibility and protect themselves against cyber threats, scams and identity theft – not only during prime shopping time, but every day,” said Michael Kaiser, NCSA’s executive director. “In past years, we have seen that scammers, hackers and cybercriminals are actively on the prowl during the holidays. Stay alert for phishing emails, deals that look too good to be true and warnings about packages that can’t be delivered or orders that have problems. Continually learn about and always initiate basic safety and security practices, and you will connect with more peace of mind during the holidays and year-round.”

Teens and tech

‘Tis the season for many teenagers to receive their first smartphones, tablets or other devices.

When giving the gift of technology, parents should also give the gift of safety.

While most young people have grown up with technology and are comfortable navigating their online lives, the Keeping Up with Generation App: NCSA Parent/Teen Online Safety Survey revealed that teens and parents are aligned on their top three concerns:

Someone accessing a teen’s account without permission

Someone sharing a teen’s personal information about them online

Having a teen’s photo or video shared that they wanted to be private

The good news is that teens turn to their parents for help, with almost half of teens surveyed saying their parents are among their top three sources for learning how to stay safe online, compared with 40 percent who say their friends are top sources.

With this is mind, giving a tech-inspired gift may offer the opportune time to begin the internet safety and security dialogue. And, interestingly, teens and parents share similar concerns and would like to learn more about the same things when it comes to cybersafety:

Preventing identity theft

How to be safer when using free Wi-Fi networks

Phishing

Helping seniors stay safe online

Similar to young people, seniors have their own cyber issues. A study from Home Instead Senior Care revealed the following:

Online shopping offers convenience and ease during the busy holidays, but be aware – nearly two out of every five American and Canadian seniors have been the attempted victims of online scams.

When registering a new account on the latest tech gifts and gadgets you received, remember to change up your passwords. Sixty-eight percent of surveyed seniors use a single password or re-use passwords on multiple sites. Add variety to better protect your information.

Holidays bring out the giving spirit in all. Don’t let your heartfelt donation end up in the wrong place and jeopardize your personal information. Charity scams prey on emotions. Check that the charity to which you’re donating is legitimate by looking up the number and calling it.

Whether you are a teen, parent or senior, be on the lookout for urgent online communications that might urge you to act quickly and click through links and open attachments or provide personal information.

Be wary of emails about problems with your credit card or an account or the status of an online order.

Exercise caution when seeing an ad or offer for which the discount is way below normal.

Take security precautions, think about the consequences of your actions online and enjoy the conveniences of technology with peace of mind while you shop online.

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Source: www.stopthinkconnect.org