Keep Cyber Threats from Spoiling the Season

Editor's note: Guest column courtesy of Apple Federal Credit Union, based in Fairfax with branches across Northern Virginia

More and more consumers are using mobile and online devices to help with shopping. As the holiday shopping season unfolds, it’s important to remain vigilant about cyber security.

Cyber security experts at RSA say that mobile devices helped influence more than $1 trillion in total purchases in 2015, and revenue from e-commerce sales are projected to reach $516 billion by 2017. With this lucrative and growing trend of mobile commerce, threats to mobile user security are also on the rise. Fraud attempts on mobile commerce increased 173 percent between 2013 and 2015. Also, according to a recent survey by Norton Security, 16 percent of Baby Boomers have experienced online crime in the last year, while 45 percent of Millennials have been victims.

“There are some definite things that consumers can do to protect themselves when cyber shopping this holiday season,” says Larry Larsen, Director of Cyber Security, Apple Federal Credit Union, a Northern Virginia based credit union with branches in Fairfax, Loudoun, Winchester, Prince William, and Stafford. “Start by being aware and making sure you are using the most secure technology.”

Apple FCU’s other top cyber shopping tips include:

· Be wary of emails! NEVER click on a link in an advertising email from a store you’ve never bought from. Always open your browser to visit the vendor.

· Avoid public Wi-Fi. Don’t shop online using public Wi-Fi. Stick to your 3G/4G mobile network.

· Keep your smartphone safe and secure. Look for mobile security apps in Apple’s App Store or Google Store with publishers you recognize. When you want to access your bank accounts or make a credit card payment, use the MUCH more secure mobile app provided by your financial institution.

· Get a temporary virtual credit card number. Many banks and credit unions offer temporary credit card numbers that allow you to set the amount and time frame for a purchase, then send you a card number to use online.

· Inform your bank about travel plans. Most financial institutions these days encourage members to submit a Travel Notification for their holiday trips so they can help protect their accounts.

· Ensure you are on a secure web site. Look for website addresses (URLs) starting with “HTTPS” rather than “HTTP.” HTTPS uses encrypted information so that only the intended recipient can see it.

· Update your browser app. Use only the major mobile browsers which provide built-in security features.

Smartphones and tablets have changed the way we shop but also have made us more vulnerable to cyber thieves. Adopting these simple tips will help keep the season more joyful by protecting your information.

PHOTO courtesy of Apple Federal Credit Union