While you are going through the available jobs or working online, chances are you are going to be alerted to possible sales during the holiday season.

However, tempting as it may click on the sale’s website, you still need to be careful to protect your data and information. Cybercriminals use the shopping websites the same way they use the job ones to commit fraud.

“You need to make sure you are only visiting safe and secure shopping sites,” said Peter O’Leary, NTI’s IT director.  “Just like you protect yourself in the job search, you have to do the same things with shopping.” NTI helps Americans with disabilities find at-home-job opportunities with free job training and placement services.  You can register at www.ntiathome.org.

Of course, it will be tempting to order the latest thing, but you need to look at the site to see if it is secure before clicking on it. Cybercriminals are always trying to stay ahead of the game to get your money and information. You should also be following the adage of “If it is too good to be true, it probably isn’t true.”

Make sure you never click on an email that you don’t recognize the name of where it came from. Cybercriminals use fake emails to get you inside their web and obtain your information. If they ask to save your credit card information for you, say no. Also, beware of fake delivery notices as that is another way to mine your data. You should avoid clicking pop-up windows, which can also be a threat.

When you come upon a site, check the address bar look for a padlock, which will indicate the site is safe, and look to see if the “s” is HTTPS is in the line.

Having strong passwords is another way to prevent being ripped off. You want to avoid simple passwords, such as 1, 2,3, 4, 5.

“Every login, account, or website you use should have a unique and long password,” said O’Leary. “You also need to change your password every six to 12 months to stay on top of things. You don’t want to make it was easier for the criminals to get your information.

“You also need to make sure your home web server is secure, and you should avoid using public computers and using their WiFi.”

Having verifications in place further prevents you from being hacked.  Using your mobile phone, you will receive a text to be notified of any action.

“You also want to make sure your software is updated and installed on time and properly,” said O’Leary.  

Another good trip to prevent getting ripped off during the holiday season is to check your payment statement to make sure all charges were done by you and not by cybercriminals. If there is a charge there you didn’t make, let your bank and/or credit card company know.

(NTI@Home helps Americans with disabilities find remote work with free training and job placement services. To register go to www.ntiathome.org.)