Using online retailers has become a preferred way for people to do their shopping, particularly with Christmas just around the corner! This can also be a prime environment for cyber criminals to act and gather data for their own use. That’s why the CyberScotland Partnership has launched “Detail Therapy – Pay attention to the small stuff when shopping online”, as its Safe Online Shopping campaign for 2024.
With this campaign, we’re raising awareness of how to stay safe when making purchases online and avoid cyber threats. Over the next three months we’ll be sharing some insights and recommendations on the following themes, so make sure you keep an eye out across our social media channels.
Detail therapy
Although online shopping is convenient, it’s still important to watch out for smaller details that indicate whether you are shopping in a secure online environment. This might come in the form of looking out for the padlock symbol in the address bar or making sure the URL is correct.
Password strength
Making sure you use strong and different passwords when you shop online makes it harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your accounts. Using longer and more random passwords in particular, will make your password more secure.
Skip the link – go direct to the online shop
To avoid falling for phishing scams when shopping online, think twice before clicking on an email link. These links can be disguised to look legitimate but can lead to fake websites designed to steal your personal information. Instead, type the retailer’s URL straight into your browser to make sure you’re using the correct website.
Be their guest
When possible, avoid setting up accounts with online shops unless you are going to be a regular shopper. This minimises the spread of your information online and lowers the risk of this information being compromised in a cyber breach.
Additional Resources / For Further Reading:
The following websites include additional advice and links to other trusted resources where you can find out more:
National Cyber Security Centre – Shopping & paying safely online https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/shopping-online-securely#section_3
Lead Scotland have produced the NCSC’s advice on shopping online safely in the following formats: British Sign Language and Easy Read Versions LEAD Scotland – Linking Education and Disability » British Sign Language and Easy Read Versions | LEAD Scotland – Linking Education and Disability
Stop! Think Fraud – Protecting against online fraud https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk/protect-yourself-from-fraud/protecting-against-online-fraud/
Which! Magazine – How to spot a fake review https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/online-shopping/article/online-shopping/how-to-spot-a-fake-review-aiDaS3e1ivfr
Police Scotland – Safe online shopping https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/internet-safety/online-shopping/
Trading Standards Scotland – Top tips for shopping safely online https://www.tsscot.co.uk/online-shopping/
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