Shop Safely This Holiday Season

The holidays are a magical time—full of generous spirit, gift-giving and shopping. But as cybercriminals ramp up their schemes, it’s also one of the riskiest times to shop online. Here’s your guide to staying safe, smart and secure while checking off your gift list.

1. Lock Down Your Devices Before You Start Shopping

• Update everything. Make sure operating systems, browsers and security softwares are all current. Regular updates often include crucial security patches.

• Use strong, unique passwords. Avoid reusing passwords. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the strongest passwords are at least 16 characters long and completely different for every account.

• Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). This adds another layer of protection beyond just a password.

• Use a password manager. These tools help generate and store strong, unique passwords without the headache.

2. Recognize & Avoid Phishing Scams

• Think twice before you click. Phishing emails spike around the holidays. Scammers impersonate familiar brands—don’t click links in unexpected messages.

• Verify legitimacy first. If an email is asking you to “confirm delivery” or “validate your account,” don’t use the links in the message. Instead, manually go to the company’s website.

• Report and delete suspicious messages. Don’t reply and don’t click “unsubscribe”—just report and delete the message.

3. Shop Only on Trusted, Secure Websites

• Look for “https” and a padlock. The “s” means data sent between you and the site is encrypted.

• Verify the retailer’s legitimacy. Research unknown sites—read reviews, check the Better Business Bureau and ensure the domain name is exactly right (watch out for subtle typos).

• Be skeptical of deals that look too good to be true. Deep discounts on brand-name items can be a lure for scam sites.

4. Use Secure Payment Methods

• Prefer credit cards over debit. Credit gives you more protection if fraud occurs.

• Consider a digital wallet. Services like Apple Pay or Google Pay encrypt your payment data and reduce risk.

• Don’t save card information blindly. While it’s convenient, storing payment data on every site increases risk if that retailer is compromised.

5. Stay Alert to Shipping & Delivery Scams

• Watch out for fake “missed delivery” texts or emails. Scammers often impersonate shipping providers in attempt to collect personal info.

• Use the official tracking tools. If you’re worried a message isn’t legit, don’t click its link—go to the retailer’s or carrier’s website to track shipments.

• Verify before paying extra. Some scams ask for “delivery fees” to “release” your package. Verified delivery services won’t ask for that through texts.

6. Protect Your Connection

• Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases. These networks are often unsecured, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data.

• Use a VPN if needed. If you must use a public network, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) adds a helpful layer of encryption.

• Bonus: MidSouth Fiber includes ProtectIQ—a free, built-in network security—with every MidSouth GigaSpire router. ProtectIQ works silently in the background to block cyber threat, malware and virus attempts.

7. Monitor Your Accounts Closely

• Regularly check your statements. During the busy shopping season, it’s easy to miss fraudulent charges—spot and report them fast by checking statements frequently.

• Enable transaction alerts. Many banks and credit card companies allow notifications for spending. These alerts can help you catch unauthorized charges quickly.

8. Be Careful When Donating to Charities

• Research before giving. Scammers often pose as charitable organizations during the holidays. Donate through the official organization site or use trusted platforms like Charity Navigator to verify them.

• Donate via secure websites. Make sure the donation page is encrypted and doesn’t ask for more personal information than seems reasonable.

9. What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

1. Report fraudulent charges immediately. Contact your bank or credit card company to report and dispute unauthorized transactions.

2. Change your passwords. Especially if you clicked a skeptical link or entered your login info somewhere suspicious.

3. Enable MFA on your accounts. If you haven’t already, now is the time.

4. Report phishing attempts. Many email services and companies accept scam reports—doing so helps protect others.

10. Share These Tips with Family & Friends

The best protection is collective protection. Share this guide with your loved ones—especially older family members or folks who may not be cybersecurity-minded. A small reminder could save someone from a big headache.

Why This Matters for MidSouth Fiber Customers

At MidSouth Fiber, we believe in keeping your connection fast and your data safe. As your local fiber internet provider, not only do we help you get online, but we want to make sure you’re doing so securely—no matter how many people are shopping on your network this season.