Hey, there, Studio 88 fam-bam! With Black Friday around the corner, we know you plan to hit those virtual aisles hard! Before you go bonkers, browsing through our virtual aisles and adding to your cart, we want to address something important. Yes, Studio 88'ers, assemble for our "The State of Your Online Safety" address!
Please take your seats as we help you make the best of your Black Friday online shopping experience.
Stick to Sites You Trust
Shopping on trusted sites is an unwritten rule in the book of online safety. Reputable sites will have an "https://" in the URL—that extra "s" means the site is secure. If you're unsure about a retailer, do a quick search to check out reviews and ensure they're legit.
Keep Your Device Protected
Ensure your device, laptop and cellphone are updated with the latest security software. Installing malware and anti-virus protection will keep your device secure and your information on lock.
Passwords Matter—A Lot!
Passwords, in this day and age, can be somewhat of a pain. However, a strong password containing letters, numbers, and symbols may be your saving grace from hackers.
Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
While we may not be avid techies, two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection and requires identity verification before accessing sensitive information. In short, activate yours—it's like having a bodyguard for your accounts!
Watch Out for Phishy Emails
The only fishing we need to be doing is with family and friends. Cybercriminals, however, phish for sensitive and confidential information. Be careful of suspicious emails and messages containing these phishing links, and never click on links unless you're 100% sure they're legit.
Use Secure Payment Methods
Use secure payment methods such as PayGate, Ozow, Visa, and Mastercard when shopping online this Black Friday. These payment methods come with extra layers of protection, making it easier to dispute any fraudulent charges that may pop up.
Stay On Top of Your Bank Accounts
After snagging those Black Friday deals, check your credit card and bank statements. Unauthorised or duplicate transactions must be reported immediately.
Skip Public Wi-Fi, Use a VPN Instead
Public Wi-Fi networks are a goldmine for hackers and should be avoided. If you like shopping on the go, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to keep your data encrypted.
Do Your Research
Before clicking on "Buy Now," do research on retailers and products. Read reviews to ensure that you're not being scammed.
Keep It Minimal
Avoid divulging too much personal information and keep it minimal. The less information you provide, the safer your online identity and private data will be.
Save All Receipts and Order Confirmations
In the world of online purchases, the only thing worse than not receiving an order is losing track of it. Keeping copies of order numbers and receipts will help you track your order and make it easier to return or exchange your goods. Having a digital paper trail will come in handy down the road.
Log Out When You're Done
Lastly, for the love of fashion, log out of your accounts when you are done making your purchases. This simple but crucial step prevents unauthorised access to your personal information.
Stay Ahead of the Game
The key to a successful Black Friday shopping weekend is staying alert, vigilant, and cognizant of the dangers lurking online. At Studio 88, we're invested in giving you a safe Black Friday shopping weekend, online and in-store!