Planning for a safe black friday is essential to take advantage of seasonal online discounts without exposing sensitive corporate data or risking financial fraud.
Don't let your data be the ultimate Black Friday deal!
Black Friday is the golden era for discounts, but it is also the peak activity period for cybercriminals. The excitement of a "mega-bargain" makes us drop our guard. Want to take advantage of the discounts without falling into the trap? Follow our comprehensive cybersecurity guide.
Essential guidelines for a safe Black Friday when shopping online
1. Doubt the Impossible Bargain (Price Phishing)
The cornerstone of cybersecurity is common sense. Cybercriminals exploit our impulsiveness.
The red flag: if a product is 80% or 90% cheaper than usual, be suspicious. Exaggerated discounts are the primary bait used to lure us to fake stores (scams).
Compare before you buy. Take a minute to check the price on the manufacturer's official website or at other trusted retailers. If the price is radically different, it is likely not legitimate.
2. Verify the Store's Identity (The "https" and More)
Never buy from a link you received. Always access the store by typing the URL into the browser yourself.
The URL is your ally: make sure the address begins with https:// and that you see the closed padlock symbol in the address bar. This indicates that the connection is encrypted (SSL/TLS) and that your data travels securely.
Pay attention to the details. Fake stores often have flaws that give them away:
Grammatical or translation errors.
Pixelated or low-quality images.
Suspicious URLs (e.g., instead of amazon.com, they use amaz0n.com). This is known as typosquatting.
Look for seals and reviews: check if the website has visible contact information (physical address, phone number) and look for reviews from other users on forums or social media.
3. Payment Methods: Layered Security
Black Friday is not the time to share your banking information lightly.
Secure payment platforms: always prioritize payment methods that act as intermediaries and do not require you to enter your card details directly on the seller's website (e.g., PayPal, Google Pay, Apple Pay).
Virtual or prepaid cards: use specific cards with a limited balance for online shopping. If fraud occurs, they will only be able to access the amount you have loaded.
NEVER share your PIN or CVV: a legitimate business will never ask you for this information via email, phone call, or chat.
4. Danger: Unsolicited Messages and Links (Phishing, Smishing, and Vishing)
Cybercriminals take advantage of the high volume of communication to camouflage their attacks.
Beware of phishing (email): fraudulent emails often use the logo of shipping companies or banks, asking you to click a link to "review a problem with your shipment" or "verify your account." Don't click!
Smishing (SMS) and vishing (calls): beware of urgent text messages warning you of a strange charge, or a call spoofing your bank asking to verify details. If you have doubts, hang up and call the official number of your financial institution directly.
5. Reinforce Your Digital Fortress
Your most basic defense is also your most important one.
Unique and strong passwords: never use the same password for your email and your online stores. Use long combinations with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Two-Factor Autentication (2FA): activate 2FA on all your important accounts (banks, social media, email). This adds a layer of security: even if they steal your password, they will need a temporary code sent to your phone to log in.
Keep your devices up to date: an updated operating system and browser patch security vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
What If Something Goes Wrong? Act Fast!
Speed is key to minimizing damage:
If you suspect an unauthorized charge, contact your bank immediately to report the suspicious activity and block the card.
If you have given away a password, change it instantly, especially if you use it on other platforms.
Save evidence: keep screenshots, emails, and any communication with the fake store. This will be useful for filing a report with the authorities.
Black Friday is there to be enjoyed, not suffered.
More information at the Internet User Security Office.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your shopping is secure and that your personal information stays exactly where it should be: protected.
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