Cyber Monday Tips for Secure Shopping

As Cyber Monday kicks off the holiday shopping season, the Internal Revenue Service and its partners urged the public to shop safely by securing their computers and mobile phones.

The IRS, state tax agencies and the tax industry mark the fourth annual National Tax Security Awareness Week with tips on basic safeguards everyone should take, but especially for those shopping online via computer or mobile phone during the holiday season.

These basic protective steps include:

• Shop at sites where the web address begins “https” – the “s” is for secure communications.
• Don’t shop on unsecured public wi-fi, thieves can eavesdrop; secure you home wi-fi with a password.
• Use security software for computers and mobile phones; keep it updated.
• Protect your personal information; don’t hand it out to just anyone.
• Use strong and unique passwords for your accounts.
• Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Back up your files on computers and mobile phones.

Note the recommendations include security measures for mobile phones. Thieves have become more adept at compromising mobile phones. You should protect your mobile phones as you do your computers.