Black Friday & Cyber Monday: How to Score Big Deals Safely

The holiday shopping season is here, and with Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner, the hunt for the best deals is officially on. Whether you’re grabbing gifts, upgrading your tech, or treating yourself, this time of year is full of unbeatable savings—and, unfortunately, sneaky cyber threats too.

That’s right: while you’re filling your cart, cybercriminals are gearing up for their own version of the holidays. But don’t worry! With a few smart habits, you can shop confidently and protect your information.

Below are some essential tips to help you stay safe while scoring the deals you love.

1. Stick to Trusted Websites & Brands

Before clicking “buy now,” take a moment to look at the URL.
Legitimate websites use HTTPS, not HTTP—so look for that little lock icon in the address bar.

If a site is offering deals way below market value (think $20 for an Apple Watch), it’s a red flag. Always shop brands you know or retailers you trust.

2. Watch Out for Phishing Emails & Fake Ads

This is prime time for phishing scams.
You may get emails or ads that look legit, but lead to fake websites designed to steal your data.

Signs of a scam include:

• Misspellings or odd grammar
• Urgent messages like “HURRY—ONLY 1 LEFT!”
• Unfamiliar senders or weird email addresses
• Suspicious links

When in doubt, go directly to the retailer’s official site instead of clicking the link.

3. Use Secure Payment Methods

Avoid using debit cards—credit cards or secure payment tools like PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay offer better protection and dispute options.

Never enter your financial information on a site that feels off.

4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Before shopping, take a moment to turn on MFA for the accounts you use most.
This adds an extra layer of protection that can stop hackers—even if they manage to get your password.

5. Avoid Public Wi-Fi When Shopping

Coffee shops, airports, and stores often have unsecured public Wi-Fi.
While convenient, they’re easy to snoop on. If you must shop while out, use your cellular data or a trusted VPN.

6. Don’t Save Your Card Info on Every Website

We get it—it's convenient.
But the fewer websites that store your card, the better.
If the retailer has a breach later, your data stays safe.

7. Monitor Your Bank Statements

During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, keep an eye on your bank statements for any charges you don’t recognize. Catching fraud early makes a huge difference.

8. Update Your Devices First

Before you dive into shopping, ensure your phone, tablet, and computer are running the latest updates.
Security patches help protect you from vulnerabilities cybercriminals love to exploit.

Stay Smart, Shop Safe, and Enjoy the Deals!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday should be exciting—not stressful.

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A few simple precautions can help you enjoy the savings without putting your personal data at risk. Shop smart, stay aware, and take advantage of the amazing deals while staying safe online!

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