Shoreline Office of Emergency Management offers these safety tips for Secured Shopping

Last month marked the 11th Annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to raise awareness about cyber risks and online safety. 

As the holiday season approaches, many customers who want to avoid long lines and crowds in stores may prefer online shopping to complete their gift lists. While the Internet offers convenience, it also provides opportunities for hackers to access personal and financial information of unsuspecting shoppers. Hackers use three common techniques to take advantage of online shoppers. These methods are:

1. Targeting vulnerable computers;
2. Creating fraudulent sites and email messages; and
3.  Intercepting insecure transactions.

Don’t let holiday hackers ruin your Cyber Monday activities. Here are a few tips to stay safe while shopping online:

1. Keep personal information private and passwords secure; 
2. Use secure websites for purchases. Look for the locked padlock icon at the bottom of the screen or “https” in the URL address;
3. Shop with companies you know; and
4. Use anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software.

Cyber security is a shared responsibility. Visit the DHS Stop.Think.Connect. website for more ideas on how to make using the Internet a safer experience this gift-giving season and throughout the year!