AMSTERDAM & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In 2009, online spending during Cyber Monday equaled $887 million and more than half of those dollars were spent at U.S. websites1. As more consumers are expected to take advantage of online sales come this year’s Cyber Monday on November 29, AVG Technologies is cautioning consumers to avoid Internet security pitfalls where cyber criminals can steal or compromise personal data.
“These ‘don’ts’ are rooted in common sense, however, many Americans continue to become victims of credit and debit card fraud and identity theft year-over-year”
According to Javelin Strategy & Research, the number of U.S. identity fraud victims rose 12 percent to 11.1 million adults last year—the highest level since the survey began in 2003.2 With this in mind, AVG’s chief research officer, Roger Thompson, recommends the following five ‘don’ts’ that will help people protect their identity while shopping online this holiday season:Tis the season for giving, but don’t give away your personal data:
There is no reason to disclose your address, phone number and credit card information if you are trying to get something for free via the Internet. Never respond to emails that request you provide your credit card info via email, and do not respond to emails that ask you to go to a website to verify personal (and credit card) information—also known as phishing scams. Your dedicated shopping email account should be in no way affiliated with your personal, everyday email account.
Don’t let your antivirus security software expire:
A first step for all consumers is to ensure their PCs or Macs are protected and updated with the latest anti-malware technology, specifically making sure browser security enhancements are configured and enabled in antivirus software. To use the free version of AVG 2011, which has all of the core advancements of security protection, consumers can visit www.free.avg.com.
Don't settle for the top results of your search:
Advertisers and marketers work diligently to place their tricky deals to the very top of search results, hoping you will assume the results on top are the best. If you decide to scope out whatever pops up first, be extra careful and use common sense.
Don’t become password complacent:
As the end of the year approaches, do not rely on the familiarity of your current passwords and switch up your passwords on your credit card and bank accounts. Refresh email accounts with an updated, unique password. Write them down and keep the information in a secure location.
Don’t use multiple credit cards:
It is much easier to track transactions and detect suspicious activity if you limit the number of credit cards you use to one or two. Make sure each card offers identify theft protection. Also, keep records of your online shopping – print confirmation pages and email confirmations.
“These ‘don’ts’ are rooted in common sense, however, many Americans continue to become victims of credit and debit card fraud and identity theft year-over-year,” said Roger Thompson. “As Thanksgiving fast approaches and shoppers begin to let go of their wallets, AVG urges consumers to practice heightened vigilance and take necessary security steps while shopping online.”
Keep in touch with AVG
- For breaking news, follow AVG on Twitter at www.twitter.com/officialAVGnews
- For security trends analysis, follow AVG blogs at http://blogs.avg.com
- Join our Facebook community at www.facebook.com/AVGfree
About AVG Technologies
AVG is a global security software maker protecting more than 110 million consumers and small businesses in 170 countries from the ever-growing incidence of Web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free, downloadable software allows novice users to have basic anti-virus protection and then easily upgrade to greater levels of safety and defense when they are ready. AVG has nearly 6,000 resellers, partners and distributors globally including Amazon.com, CNET, Cisco, Ingram Micro, Play.com, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo!
1 Source: National Retail Federation, October 2010
2 Source: Javelin Strategy & Research, "Identity Fraud Survey Report," February 2010
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