How to Stay Safe This Cyber Monday — A Guide to Protecting Your Money, Identity, and Devices

As millions of Americans gear up for Cyber Monday, one of the busiest online shopping days of the year, cybersecurity experts are urging shoppers to stay vigilant. While deep discounts and limited-time offers dominate the day, it also brings an increase in cyber scams, fraudulent websites, and identity-theft attempts. To help consumers shop safely and confidently, here is an in-depth look at the best practices, warning signs, and security steps everyone should keep in mind this holiday season.

Shop on Secure, Reputable Websites

One of the first lines of defense is ensuring that the website you’re using is secure. Always check that the URL begins with “https://”—the “s” stands for secure—and look for a padlock icon in the browser’s address bar. These indicators show the site uses encrypted connections to protect your information.

Stick to retailers you know and trust. Cybercriminals often create convincing fake websites mimicking popular stores, offering huge discounts that seem irresistible. If a deal feels too good to be true, experts warn that it probably is.

Strengthen Your Account Security

Because cyberattacks often focus on weak or reused passwords, shoppers should ensure they’re using strong, unique passwords across all accounts. Consider using a password manager, which can generate and securely store complex passwords for you.

Turning on two-factor authentication (2FA) is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access. Whether it’s a code sent to your phone, a security app, or a physical key, 2FA adds a crucial extra layer of protection for your accounts.

Keeping software updated is equally important. Make sure your device, browser, apps, and antivirus software are running the latest versions. Updates frequently patch security flaws that hackers attempt to exploit.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi While Shopping

Public Wi-Fi networks—such as those in stores, restaurants, airports, and hotels—are not secure and can expose your data to nearby attackers. Avoid checking bank accounts or making purchases on these networks.

If you must shop on the go, experts recommend using mobile data or a trusted VPN, which encrypts your internet connection and protects your information from prying eyes.

Be Cautious of Scams and Phishing Attempts

Cyber Monday brings a spike in phishing emails and texts disguised as delivery notices, account alerts, refunds, or special offers. These messages often urge users to click on a link or provide personal information.

To stay safe:

• Never click links in unsolicited emails or messages.

• Go directly to the retailer’s official website by typing the URL manually.

• Watch for red flags such as poor grammar, misspelled brand names, unusual sender addresses, or pressure to act quickly.

Social media ads can be risky as well. Scammers often promote fake storefronts or counterfeit products using stolen images and fabricated reviews. Always research unfamiliar sellers and verify their legitimacy through reviews, website age, and Better Business Bureau information.

Choose Secure Payment Methods

Credit cards are considered the safest option for online shopping because they offer stronger fraud protection and limited liability in case of unauthorized charges. Trusted payment services like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay provide additional layers of security by hiding your actual card number.

Experts also advise against saving payment information or passwords on retail websites. While convenient, stored details could be compromised if the retailer suffers a data breach.

For added protection, some banks offer virtual card numbers for online shopping—single-use or masked numbers that prevent actual card details from being exposed.

Monitor Your Accounts Closely

After the shopping is done, stay vigilant. Regularly review your bank and credit card statements—especially throughout the holiday season—for any unfamiliar or suspicious transactions. Early detection is key to minimizing potential damage.

If you see anything unusual, contact your bank or card issuer immediately.

A Safer Cyber Monday Is Within Reach

With online shopping expected to reach record levels again this year, protecting your financial information and personal data is more important than ever. By shopping on secure websites, strengthening account security, staying alert to scams, and using safe payment methods, consumers can enjoy the convenience and savings of Cyber Monday without falling victim to cybercrime.

Following these comprehensive safety practices will help ensure your holiday shopping season remains both festive and secure.