With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday behind us, there's only one more big push to help kick off the 2016 holiday shopping season.
Ahead of one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, Cyber Monday, we have some Six On Your Side security tips to help keep your identity safe.
The trend of online shopping doesn't seem to be going away any time soon. And, while you should take precautions to protect your identity and bank account information, it's not something to necessarily shy away from.
"If we as consumers make bad choices, that's where the vulnerability is," says Neal Custer.
For several years, Custer worked as a criminal investigator for the Idaho Attorney General's Office. Now he owns his own business specializing in computer forensics called the Custer Agency.
A lot of times, Custer says, it's simply best to follow your gut instinct when pulling out your credit or debit card to lock in the sell.
"If you see something that looks a little funny, you may want to rethink as to whether or not you really want to go on that website," he says.
Custer recommends making sure your virus protection and operating systems are up-to-date and changing your passwords every so often.
Also, when you go to make the purchase, be sure the site begins with https. Custer says the "s" means it's a secure and encrypted site.
Making an online purchase at a local coffee shop can also open you up to a 'Man in the Middle Attack'. That's when someone at your location intercepts your information.
"I can't stress enough the importance of not shopping and doing stuff online at a location where they have free WIFI," Custer concludes. "That's very critical."
Custer's last piece of advice is to dedicate one card to online shopping and to never follow through with an online purchase that requires you to wire them money.
