Tis the season of online shopping and scoring seasonal deals! π But before you dive into the virtual shopping frenzy, here are eight helpful online safety tips from the Illinois Department of Revenue to safeguard your personal information and ensure a secure shopping experience.
π 1. Protect Your Personal Info: Guard your bank accounts, social security numbers, and addresses like precious jewelry. Donβt share them or leave them freely accessible online.
π 2. Strong Passwords Rule: Use complex and unique passwords for your accounts. Consider a password manager to securely store them.
π 3. Embrace VPNs: When on public Wi-Fi, opt for a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It shields your data from prying eyes on public networks.
π¦ 4. Fortify with Security Software: Beef up your defenses with firewall and anti-virus protection. They act as a set of digital bodyguards at your service!
π 5. Activate Multi-Factor Authentication: Level up your security by enabling multi-factor authentication whenever possible. When it comes to online security two (or more) is always better than one!
π² 6. Keep Devices Updated: Ensure your devices are up to date and set them for automatic updates. This allows you to get ahead of the security curve!
π 7. Watch Out for Email Scams: Beware of email marketing β scammers may lurk in your inbox. Verify emails before you click!
π³ 8. Choose Credit Over Debit: If you can, use a credit card instead of a debit card. It adds an extra layer of protection, not directly tied to your bank account.
Your online shopping experience should be merry and bright, not marred by security concerns. π Stay vigilant, follow these tips, and shop with confidence! Happy shopping! ποΈπ» #OnlineSafety #SecureShopping #ShopWithConfidence