Cybersecurity for the Holiday Online Shopping Season
November/December 2018
AWARENESS TOOLKIT:
| Article | Posters | Video Shorts | Social Media | Additional Resources |
Article:
Tips to Protect Your Information during the Holiday Online Shopping Season
Online shopping continues to grow in popularity. Last year’s Cyber Monday was the biggest online shopping day in the history of the US, including record breaking mobile sales. When you shop in person, it's habit to bring reusable bags, lock the car, and put away your cash or credit card when you’re done with your purchase. Similar habits can protect you, your purchases, and your identity when you're shopping online during the holiday season and year-round. [More... See the full article]
Posters:
Video Shorts:
- Holiday Online Shopping Tips - by UCSB (0:59 sec)
- Cyber Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping – by UCR (0:54 sec) - coming soon!!
Social Media:
- [Quick pick] Keep a Clean Machine → Having the latest security software, web browser and operating system is the best defense against viruses, malware and other online threats. #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong [Keep a Clean Machine graphic #1]
- [Quick pick] Smart appliances and connected devices – such as thermostats, toys and home assistants – should be kept up to date with the latest security software. If not, you’re at greater risk of hackers accessing your network and information. #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong [Keep a Clean Machine graphic #2]
- [Quick pick] Secure Your WiFi Router → Set a strong passphrase (at least 12 characters long) for your Wi-Fi network. Keep it positive and easy to remember like “Ilovecountrymusic!” #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong [Secure Router graphic]
- [Quick pick] Have you changed your Wi-Fi router’s default name and passphrase? Set a strong passphrase (at least 12 characters long) and name your network in a way that doesn’t let people know it’s in your house. #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong [Secure Router graphic]
- [Quick pick] No lock? Don't shop! Stay safe online during holiday shopping season. #OnlineSafety #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong [Secure padlock graphic]
- [Quick pick] HTTPS is your friend. If the "S" is missing in a URL, it's not safe to use a credit card or share other personal info! #SafeBrowsing #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong
- [Quick pick] Free isn't always better. Public Wi-Fi could expose your credit card info to cybercriminals. #OnlineSafety #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong
- [Quick pick] Does that deal sound too good to be true? It probably is! Shop smart & research before you purchase. #OnlineSafety #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong
- [Quick pick] Is your credit card secure? Be sure & check your statement often—especially during the holidays! #OnlineSafety #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong
- Did you know? Your cell phone and tablet need to be kept up to date with the latest security software, browsers and operating system, just like your PC or laptop. #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong [Keep a Clean Machine graphic – cell phone version]
- #LockDownURlogin → User names and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like email, bank and social media. Improve account security by enabling strong authentication tools such as biometrics or unique one-time codes. #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong [Lock Down Your Login graphic - cell phone | cat meme]
- Use long, complex #passwords or #passphrases as your first line of defense to protect online accounts. #SafeBrowsing #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong
- Using public #WiFi? Restrict activity to simple searches (no online banking or shopping!) or use #VPN for #SafeBrowsing #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong
- Check for updated browser software and plugins often & install them promptly. #SafeBrowsing #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong
- #SafeBrowsing tip: Install antivirus software and use a pop-up blocker to avoid unwanted (& potentially unsafe) ads #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong
- When browsing online, avoid malware or unwanted redirects—don't click on pop-up ads. #SafeBrowsing #CyberAware #UCInfoSec #HSTUCInfoSec #UCCyberStrong
Additional Resources:
- Resources for securing your home network:
- US-CERT Home Network Security May 2018: https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/tips/ST15-002
- OUCH Creating a Cybersecure Home Jan 2018: https://www.sans.org/security-awareness-training/ouch-newsletter/2018/creating-cybersecure-home
- Holiday Cybersecurity Resources:
- MS-ISAC Newsletter, Shopping Safely Online, Nov 2018: https://www.cisecurity.org/newsletter/staying-secure-while-shopping-online/
- MS-ISAC Newsletter, Avoiding Holiday Scams, Dec 2017: https://www.cisecurity.org/newsletter/avoiding-holiday-scams/
- SANS November 2017 OUCH newsletter, Shopping Online Securely: https://www.sans.org/security-awareness-training/resources/shopping-online-securely
- Wombat Security, Security Spotlight: Avoiding Holiday Shopping Scams, Sept 2018: https://www.wombatsecurity.com/blog/security-spotlight-avoiding-holiday-shopping-scams
- SANS Cybersecurity Tips of the Day: https://www.sans.org/tip-of-the-day