Information about the Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program
Seasonal CRD Preparedness Tips
December: Online Safety Preparedness
This holiday season is a time for gift buying and gift wrapping for loved ones. Make sure you are up to date on the latest online safety for purchases made online. See the tips below for decide, password, privacy, and credit card safety:
Tip #1: Check Your Devices:
Ensure software is up-to-date (includes: phones, electronics, toys, etc.)
Enable auto-updates
Change the default password on devices
Use different and complex passwords, along with two-factor authentication
• Check your device's privacy and security
Know how your information is used/stored,
Check if you are sharing more information than you want to provide
Tip #2: Only Shop Through Trusted Sources
Don't connect to unsecure public Wi-Fi
ESPECIALLY when online shopping or banking
Ensure your website is a reputable, established vendor before making purchases
Always verify the legitimacy before supplying any information
• Phishing emails are common around the holidays
These emails look like they are from retails (see picture attached)
■ Don’t click links, download attachments, or provide personal information
• Make sure your information is being encrypted.
Many sites use a secure sockets layer (SSL) to encrypt information.
Your information is encrypted by using the URL “https:” instead of “http:”
■ This will also include a closed padlock (encrypted information)
Tip #3: Use Safe Methods For Purchases
• Use a credit card as opposed to a debit card
There are laws to limit your liability for fraudulent credit card charges,
Debit cards may not have the same level of protection
Debit cards draw money directly from your bank
■ Unauthorized charges could leave you with insufficient funds to pay bills
Check your credit card and bank statements for any fraudulent charges
If you receive a suspicious email may be a phishing scam, you can report it:• https://www.us-cert.gov/report-phishing