Trustwave SpiderLabs Uncovers Unique Cybersecurity Risks in Today's Tech Landscape. Learn More

Trustwave SpiderLabs Uncovers Unique Cybersecurity Risks in Today's Tech Landscape. Learn More

Services
Capture
Managed Detection & Response

Eliminate active threats with 24/7 threat detection, investigation, and response.

twi-managed-portal-color
Co-Managed SOC (SIEM)

Maximize your SIEM investment, stop alert fatigue, and enhance your team with hybrid security operations support.

twi-briefcase-color-svg
Advisory & Diagnostics

Advance your cybersecurity program and get expert guidance where you need it most.

tw-laptop-data
Penetration Testing

Test your physical locations and IT infrastructure to shore up weaknesses before exploitation.

twi-database-color-svg
Database Security

Prevent unauthorized access and exceed compliance requirements.

twi-email-color-svg
Email Security

Stop email threats others miss and secure your organization against the #1 ransomware attack vector.

tw-officer
Digital Forensics & Incident Response

Prepare for the inevitable with 24/7 global breach response in-region and available on-site.

tw-network
Firewall & Technology Management

Mitigate risk of a cyberattack with 24/7 incident and health monitoring and the latest threat intelligence.

Solutions
BY TOPIC
Microsoft Exchange Server Attacks
Stay protected against emerging threats
Rapidly Secure New Environments
Security for rapid response situations
Securing the Cloud
Safely navigate and stay protected
Securing the IoT Landscape
Test, monitor and secure network objects
Why Trustwave
About Us
Awards and Accolades
Trustwave SpiderLabs Team
Trustwave Fusion Security Operations Platform
Trustwave Security Colony
Partners
Technology Alliance Partners
Key alliances who align and support our ecosystem of security offerings
Trustwave PartnerOne Program
Join forces with Trustwave to protect against the most advance cybersecurity threats

How to protect yourself on Cyber Monday – or any Monday

Today is Cyber Monday, or as we like to call it at Trustwave: Monday.

Since our livelihood depends on digitally protecting our customers from the latest threats, every day is a cyber day.

But for online retailers, Cyber Monday - a term coined in 2005 to serve as the web equivalent of Black Friday - is the unofficial kickoff of the online holiday shopping season. And it comes packed with web-only bargains and specials.

Shoppers are flocking to online merchants today in search of a deal, with studies showing that sales during last year's Cyber Monday rose 30 percent compared to the day in 2011.

online-shopping.jpg

But online retailers aren't the only ones looking to seize on the digital buying spree. Cyber criminals also are standing at the ready. So what can you do to ensure that you are shopping safely and protecting your and your employer's networks, systems and data?

Security Awareness Education is a critical component of an organization's security program. While there has been some debate about the effectiveness of awareness training, few can deny that employees are the first line of defense against the prospect of a breach. Not to mention, most industry and regulatory mandates require security education for employees.

While technology and policies that promote visibility and control are tantamount to a robust security posture, so is an employee culture rooted in safe computing practices.

So here are some guidelines we suggest following if you're going to be online shopping on Cyber Monday. Or any Monday. Or any day of the week for that matter.

Limit your link consumption: Links touting a deal that are provided via email, instant messenger or in social media streams sometimes lead to phishing and malware scams. If something entices you, it's usually a good idea to visit the retailer's website directly and find what you are looking for there.

"HTTPS" is your friend
: If you do happen to follow a link, then make sure you are at the correct site by checking the URL bar. Also, always ensure that the merchant's site is protected by "HTTPS," functionality that encrypts your web session and protects against eavesdropping on your personal information, such as your credit card number.

Don't give information to strangers:
 During the checkout process, you should never be asked for information other than billing, shipping and credit card information. If asked for a government identification number, driver's license number, mother's maiden name, or PIN, it is either a scam or the transaction is being tampered with. Click out and do not return.

Trust your apps
: As more consumers turn to their smartphones and tablets to do their holiday shopping, fraud is migrating to these devices as well. If you're interested in installing an app, make sure you download it from the official Android and Apple stores. If not, it could siphon your personal information or install malware. And if that compromised device is connected to the corporate network, then that could be lead to very bad things.

It's not delivery...it's a scam:
 Your package is on the way, but you just received an email reporting a problem with the shipping. Chances are it's an attack masquerading as a delivery notification. Emails purporting to be alerts from FedEx and UPS are  common ploys, and they could contain particularly nasty strains of malware. If you're concerned your package might actually be in trouble, check directly with your retailer. Typically they send tracking numbers that link directly to most delivery services.

And as usual, keep your anti-virus and web security up to date, stay patched and avoid using unsecured, public Wi-Fi.

Safe shopping, everyone. Don't forget to send me something nice.

Dan Kaplan is the manager of online content at Trustwave.

Latest Trustwave Blogs

Unveiling the Latest Ransomware Threats Targeting the Casino and Entertainment Industry

Anyone who has visited a casino knows these organizations go to a great deal of expense and physical effort to ensure their patrons do not cheat. Still, there is a large group of actors who are...

Read More

Third-Party Risk: How MDR Offers Relief as Security Threats Abound

While third-party products and services are crucial to everyday business operations for almost any company, they also present significant security concerns, as high-profile attacks including...

Read More

Trustwave Takes Home Comparably Best Company Outlook for 2024 Award

Comparably, a leading workplace culture and compensation monitoring employee review platform selected Trustwave to receive its Best Company Outlook for 2024 Award. This award marks the seventh time...

Read More