How to Shop Online Safely

Posted on by Joe Heerdink

It is that time of year again where we turn to the Internet to purchase all those holiday gifts for our family and loved ones, and maybe even something for your cat. Trust me when I say it is worth taking a few extra moments to ensure that you are safe while you are shopping online. Identity theft, frauds, malware, and scams are serious problems that can arise when shopping online. Here are some quick steps to help you be safe this holiday season:

  • Shop with trusted online retailers.
  • Establish strong passwords. 8 characters or longer, 1 or more numbers, 1 or more uppercase letters, and a special symbol if allowed.
  • USE A DIFFERENT PASSWORD at each site. It sounds tough, but I know you can do it!
  • If you can, use a secure online payment method like PayPal, GooglePay, or ApplePay.
  • Use a debit card or credit card that does not tie directly to your main bank account.
  • If available, Checkout as a guest and do not save your payment information. This is getting harder and harder to find due to retailers finding your shopping data just as valuable as your purchases.
  • Never shop online when using free or public wifi.
  • Keep your devices up to date with the latest security patches.
  • Do not use your work email address for retail accounts. There are many free email services out there, like Gmail, Hotmail, or even Yahoo.

Well, there you have it, the foolproof way to stay out of trouble this holiday season… Remember you will never be 100% safe when online. There are people, organizations, and even in some cases governments out there way smarter than any protection attempt you can take. The good news is the more preventative measures you take your odds of being a target or victim drastically decrease.

 

Thank you and good luck out there!

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Joe Heerdink's avatar
Hello! I'm Joe Heerdink, currently serving as the Regional Director of Information Technology at Henderson Community College & Madisonville Community College. In this role, I lead and strategize for the Technology Solutions departments, ensuring our teams excel in managing computers, servers, student technology, and network infrastructure across our campuses. My journey in technology began at a young age, with a memorable milestone being the disassembly of my first computer at age 10. This early fascination laid the groundwork for a lifelong passion in technology. After high school, the dream of pursuing higher education lingered, but it wasn't until 2008 that I fully embraced this ambition. Recognizing the importance of formal education in advancing my career, I enrolled as a non-traditional student at Indiana University Southeast, earning a Bachelor of Science in Information and Operations Management with a minor in Computer Science. My academic journey didn't stop there. I furthered my expertise by obtaining a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University. This advanced degree not only deepened my understanding of the complex cybersecurity landscape but also equipped me with the skills to lead and innovate in this critical field. Currently, I am expanding my horizons even further by pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Technology Leadership at Morehead State University. This endeavor reflects my commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and educational strategies, ensuring that the institutions I serve benefit from cutting-edge, effective technology solutions. Professionally, I've come full circle - from a curious kid tinkering with computers to a regional IT director in higher education, where I have the privilege of not just taking computers apart but also shaping the technological landscape of educational institutions. It's a role that perfectly aligns with my lifelong passion for technology and my dedication to continuous learning and leadership in this ever-evolving field.