Two of the busiest shopping days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, are fast approaching. Unfortunately, while you’re looking for the perfect gift, cybercriminals are looking
for ways to scam you. Follow the tips below to shop safely:

Never Install Unfamiliar Software

There are hundreds of shopping apps out there. Some of these apps may be malicious, so only
use apps that you know and trust. When you download software or apps, be sure to download
from verified sources such as the App Store or Google Play. You can verify that an app is
legitimate by reading the app’s reviews, checking the number of app downloads, and looking
up the app’s developer.

Verify Attachments are Safe Before Downloading Them

A common tactic among cybercriminals is to create phony email notifications from a retailer
or postal service. These notifications often include a malicious attachment. The cybercriminals
may claim that there was an update to your order or that your package has been delayed,
but you’ll have to download the attachment to find out more. Don’t fall for this trick! Before
you open the attachment, contact the retailer or postal service to verify that the notification
is legitimate. You can also look up your order directly on the website where you made the
purchase.

Verify Links Before Clicking

Watch out for malicious advertisements, otherwise known as Malvertising. Malvertising is when
cybercriminals use ads to spread malware or to trick users into providing sensitive information.
When online shopping, only click on an ad or link from a reputable source, such as a retailer’s
official social media profile. To be extra careful, use your browser to navigate to the store’s
official website to shop instead.