As we celebrate Thanksgiving, a time of gratitude, we at Assumed extend our heartfelt wishes to you and your loved ones. While this season brings joy, it’s also a bustling period for shoppers eagerly anticipating Black Friday deals and holiday discounts. Amidst this shopping excitement, we’d like to share a gentle reminder about safeguarding your personal information.
Beware the allure of too-good-to-be-true deals
The holiday season is ripe with tempting offers and discounts. It’s easy to get swept up in the frenzy of snagging the best deals, but remember, not all that glitters is gold. When a deal asks for personal information, pause and think: Is this exchange beneficial? In the rush to save a few dollars, you might inadvertently expose yourself to risks like increased spam or, worse, identity theft. Unless you’re on the hunt for canned Spam – in that case, carry on with your quest!
To stay safe:
- Be selective about where and how you share your personal information.
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account and consider a password manager.
- Be especially wary of unsolicited emails or messages that play on the urgency and excitement of holiday sales.
More secure shopping tips
Here are a few quick tips for safer shopping this holiday season:
- Verify Retailer Authenticity: Stick to reputable and known retailers. If you’re exploring a new online store, do a quick background check for reviews, contact information and legitimacy.
- Secure Connections are a Must: Always ensure you’re on a secure connection (look for https:// in the web address) when making online transactions.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Monitor bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity, especially after making several online purchases.
- Think Before You Click: Phishing scams are rampant during holidays. Be cautious of emails or ads that require immediate action or personal information.
At Assumed, our commitment extends beyond just monitoring data leaks; we’re dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge to protect your digital identity. This Thanksgiving, as we express our gratitude for the past year’s blessings, let’s also commit to being mindful and vigilant in our online endeavors.
Here’s to a joyful, safe, and secure holiday season!
