Microsoft shares tips for safe shopping during Black Friday 2021

Online shopping is becoming more and more popular, especially during year-end sales and discounts. This creates convenience for users but is also an opportunity for scammers to rampage.

Microsoft has just released a set of "secrets" to help users protect themselves during Black Friday shopping, avoiding the traps of scammers in the next few days.

According to a survey by Microsoft, consumers tend to care more about the price and ignore the safety and security of their personal information. Therefore, it is better to pay a little attention to safety before worrying about the discount.

Microsoft shares tips for safe shopping during Black Friday 2021 Picture 1

Here are the "secrets" that Microsoft recommends you apply:

Equip with strong passwords

The first layer of protection is a strong password, so Microsoft suggests you take the following measures:

1. Enable multi-factor authentication: If an account offers multi-factor authentication (MFA) you should enable it. At that time, if someone wants to break into your account, the system will send you a notification. According to Microsoft, MFA can prevent up to 99% of password attacks.
2. Use trusted, free tools: Microsoft Edge gives you several free features to help you stay safe when shopping online. When any of your saved logins are compromised, the Password Monitor tool will notify you so you can quickly change your password using the Easy Update feature. Meanwhile, the Password Generator tool will help you generate strong, unique passwords.
3. Remove the password: If possible, remove the password to use more secure authentication methods. Microsoft now allows users to sign in to their Microsoft account without using a password.

Be wary of unbelievable good deals

During big shopping occasions like Black Friday, items are often bargains and in limited quantities. Therefore, people often tend to "hands faster than brain", quickly clicking links to order as soon as possible. This has a lot of potential risks. You may experience the following problems:

1. Access the link containing malicious code
2. Buy fake goods, poor quality goods
3. The item received is not the same as the item you ordered

7 tips to avoid email scams

Also during online shopping, hackers often send emails impersonating famous retailers and online services to trick you into revealing passwords or bank card information.

Here are 7 tips to avoid email scams:

1. Double check the sender's email address. Look for even the smallest differences such as extra characters, use Gmail instead of the company's official mail system.
2. Be wary of emails that prompt you to take action.
3. Look for verifiable sender contact information. If in doubt, do not immediately reply to the email you received, but start a new email to reply.
4. Please call directly to convey private information. Never send sensitive information via email.
5. Avoid clicking on unknown links. If you want to confirm, visit the official website of the manufacturer.
6. Avoid opening email attachments from strangers. Even emails from friends with attachments need to be reconfirmed before opening.
7. Install a phising filter for your email client. Install an extra spam email filter for your email account.

Above are the things that Microsoft wants users to do to ensure safety during year-end shopping. Wish you always protect your data and information!

Jessica Tanner

Update 26 November 2021