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As the Christmas holiday season approaches, the festive cheer brings with it an unfortunate surge in cyber threats. In today's interconnected world, online shopping has become a commonplace way to make purchases during this joyous time. However, the rise in cybercrime necessitates an increased awareness of these threats and a commitment to safe online shopping practices. Cyber Threats on the Rise According to the latest Annual Cyber Threat Report, cybercrime has surged by 13% compared to the previous year, with online shopping fraud standing out as one of the most reported issues. Moraitis Consulting, your trusted partner in cybersecurity, urges Australian businesses and individuals to shop smartly and securely this Christmas. Understanding the Risks Cybercriminals employ various tactics, from setting up fake retailer websites to selling non-existent products. Once they have your personal or payment details, the consequences can be dire. Your hard-earned money may vanish, and the promised goods may never arrive. Our Top Tips for Secure Online Shopping Follow our security tips to make sure your online shopping experience is secure. Secure Devices for Shopping: Ensure your devices have the latest updates and connect to trusted networks, such as your home Wi-Fi or cellular (4G/5G) connection, rather than public Wi-Fi. Protect Your Payment Information: Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong, unique passphrases. Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passphrases. Choose Trusted Sellers: Research and stick to well-known, reputable businesses. Recognize Warning Signs: Be cautious of extremely low prices, payments through direct bank deposits, and online stores that are very new or have limited information about delivery, return and privacy policies can all be signs of a scam. Use Secure Payment Methods: Never pay by direct bank deposits, money transfers, or digital currencies such as Bitcoin. Opt for PayPal or your credit card. Consider setting up a second card with a low credit limit specifically for online shopping to minimise financial losses if your card details are compromised. Beware of Suspicious Contacts: Be aware of any strange phone calls, messages, or emails related to online orders. If in doubt, reach out to the store using the details on their official website. Guard Against Fake Delivery Scams : Stay vigilant while waiting for your goods. Cybercriminals may send fake parcel delivery notifications with links that could lead to malware. If in doubt, contact the seller or courier company using the details on their official website. Scamwatch has examples of fraudulent text messages. Take Additional Precautions: Limit the amount of personal information you provide on websites. Ask yourself if the website really needs the extra information or an account to complete the transaction. What You Can Do Visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre website for more information. Remember, the Australian Cyber Security Hotline (1300 CYBER1) is available 24/7 for advice and incident reporting. Moraitis Consulting: Your Cybersecurity Ally For comprehensive cyber security assistance, feel free to contact us. Moraitis Consulting is here to support your cyber security needs