Stay Cyber Safe This Christmas: 5 Shop Smart Tips Before You Click “Buy Now”

Black Friday through to Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for online shopping. Tech bargains, festive gifts, and special offers are everywhere – but while customers hunt for deals, cybercriminals are also very active.

At CJAZ Consulting, we work with businesses of all sizes to protect them from cyber threats. The same principles that keep organisations secure also apply to personal online shopping. Here are five essential tips to stay safe while enjoying the festive deals.

1. Stick to trusted retailers

Beware of Fake Websites promising Deep Discounts.

Cybercriminals often set up fake websites to lure shoppers with deep discounts. To protect yourself, always check:

• Is the website professional, consistent, and easy to navigate?

• Does it list a physical address and working customer service contacts?

• Are there genuine reviews from other customers?

If anything seems suspicious, it’s safer to shop elsewhere. A bargain isn’t worth the risk if the product never arrives or your data is compromised

2. Be cautious of “too good to be true” deals

Beware of deals that sound to good to be true.

Unrealistic offers are a common tactic for cyber fraud. Fake ads, social media posts, and emails often promise extraordinary discounts to get you to act quickly.

Compare prices with reputable retailers and avoid impulse purchases. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.

3. Use secure payment methods

Pay Pal, Apple Pay or a Credit Card offer additional security protection.

When paying online, CJAZ recommends using a credit card or trusted payment platforms such as PayPal or Apple Pay. These methods provide buyer protection that isn’t available with direct bank transfers or lesser-known services.

Avoid retailers that request unusual payment methods or redirect you to external payment pages.

4. Update passwords and enable two-factor authentication

Enable 2-Factor Authentication

Strong, unique passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) are the first line of defence against cybercrime. Before the festive shopping season:

• Review and update your passwords.

• Consider using a password manager to keep them organised.

• Enable 2FA on all accounts that support it.

These simple steps significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

5. Watch out for phishing emails and texts

Be extra vigilant with emails.

Phishing campaigns peak during the holiday season. Fake delivery notifications, order confirmations, and special offer emails are designed to trick you into clicking malicious links.

Check for spelling mistakes, suspicious sender addresses, or links that don’t match the official retailer website. When in doubt, go directly to the retailer’s site rather than clicking a link in the message.

Enjoy the deals – but shop smart

Online shopping should be enjoyable and stress-free. By following these best practices, you can secure your personal data while hunting for festive bargains.

At CJAZ Consulting, we specialise in protecting businesses from cyber threats, including phishing, ransomware and attacks targeting busy periods like Black Friday. The same expertise can help you stay safe when shopping online at home.

For businesses, staying secure year-round requires more than just advice – it needs proactive protection.

Our Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service continuously monitors, detects, and responds to threats before they can disrupt your operations. Protect your business this festive season and beyond – contact CJAZ Consulting to learn how MDR can keep you safe.