Fear "Cyber Grinches" this Christmas? You are not alone, new security survey finds

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People feel less safe about online shopping, but luckily there are things you can do. Here are our experts' 5 tips for a secure online shopping experience this Christmas.

Christmas festivities are right around the corner, and while going to markets and malls can bring an extra dose of holiday spirit, many of us will rely on online shopping to alleviate some of the season's stress. However, gift shopping online can be a mood-killer if you're not cautious.

A new Nordic security survey from Telenor Group finds that more than 95 per cent of Norwegian, Swedes, and more than 92 per cent of Danes and Fins shop online, but that there are more people who feel less safe about online shopping than more safe compared to last year.

Increasing attention towards online fraud and cybercrime could be a reason why people are becoming more concerned. We also see from our survey that many have been a target of online fraud, and that some have experienced financial losses because of this, says Thorbj rn Busch, senior fraud advisor at Telenor Norway.

80 percent allow their concerns to influence their online shopping habits The survey found that 44 per cent of respondents across the Nordic region are concerned about online fraud. When asked if these concerns influence their online shopping habits, more than 80 per cent of respondents across all Nordic markets said that it does to some extent. Over 30 per cent said that it greatly affects their decision to shop online.

Thorbj rn Busch, senior security advisor at Telenor Norway, find it interesting that the responders from the Nordic countries line out a concurrent picture of peoples experience when it comes to online shopping and digital security.

As the world becomes increasingly digitised, digital security is more important than ever. The widespread adoption of technology has brought many benefits, including greater convenience, connectivity, and efficiency. However, it has also created new vulnerabilities and exposed individuals and organisations to a variety of cyber threats. These threats can have serious consequences, which is why it is important to prioritise digital security , says Busch.

For more information about the survey, read more here.

5 tips on how to stay safe online

Knowledge is the best defence

If you want to avoid being scammed, you need to know a little about what you should be aware of. Fraud is a pervasive problem in the digital channels that we use daily, and it is something that we all must be prepared to handle. It is important to learn the typical characteristics of fraud, what the fraudsters are looking for, and how they operate. This knowledge can help you identify potential fraud and raise your alarm when you encounter it.

Talk with your friends and family about security

If you have done your research on the latest fraud trends, you may have developed a gut feeling for detecting potential scams. For example, when you receive an urgent SMS with a link, do you recognise the warning signs? Having this awareness can help you protect yourself from fraud. It is also important to discuss new fraud trends with those around you, especially those who may not be aware of them. Dont hesitate to offer yourself as a resource for anyone who has questions about fraud. Remember, no question is too stupid when it comes to protecting yourself from scams.

Never share private or sensitive information

It is generally a good rule to never provide private information to someone who contacts you unexpectedly. This can help protect you from fraud and other scams. Although fraud attempts come in many forms, the fraudsters mostly rely on tricking you into initiating an action. Examples of private information that should never be shared with someone who contacts you unexpectedly include passwords, card information, BankID, and one-time codes used for two-factor authentication. These types of information can be used to gain access to your accounts and steal your sensitive data. It is important to be cautious and to always protect this information.

Beware of links and fake websites

Fraudulent requests, whether they come in the form of an email, SMS, or instant message, often include links that are designed to trick you into clicking on them. These links can lead to phishing websites that attempt to steal your personal information or download malware onto your device. It is important to be cautious and avoid clicking on suspicious links. Fraudsters may create fake login pages that mimic the websites of legitimate companies, such as Telenor. If you enter your personal information on one of these pages, the fraudsters will be able to intercept it and use it for their own gain. As a general rule, it is important to be careful when clicking on links in emails and messages, and to look out for signs that a website may be fake. This can help protect you from falling victim to phishing scams and other forms of fraud.

Sufficient password security - and two-factor authentication

If you use one password on many websites, there is a high chance that this has already been leaked online. If this is the case, it may be simple for criminals to log into your accounts, which can cost you dearly in several ways. To protect yourself from fraud, it is important to practice good password security and use two-factor authentication whenever possible. This can help prevent unauthorised access to your accounts and protect your sensitive information.

LINK:	https://www.telenor.com/stories/safeguard/fear-cyber-grinches-this-chr...
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