Black Friday Security Check!

Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year and not just for shoppers. Cybercriminals love this season too. With AI making scams more convincing than ever and retailers moving faster online, it’s the perfect moment to slow down, shop smart, and protect your accounts.

Here are five quick, effective reminders to help you stay safe while you hunt for deals:

1. Stick to Trusted Sites this Black Friday

   It’s the oldest rule in the book for a reason: if a deal looks too good to be true, there’s a high chance it is. Fraudulent storefronts spike during Black Friday, offering unrealistic discounts to lure shoppers. Always check the URL, confirm the retailer, and stick to brands you recognize. A real deal doesn’t require a leap of faith.

2. Watch for AI-Generated “Deals”

   Scammers are using AI to create fake deals, fake reviews, and even fake product photos that look incredibly convincing. Before you click “Buy,” take a moment to skim the reviews:

   • Do multiple reviews use the same wording?

   • Are they vague or generic?

   • Is there a “verified purchase” history?

   If anything feels off, trust your instinct. AI can imitate authenticity — but it can’t fully replicate it.

3. Enable MFA on Everything

   Multi-factor authentication is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect your accounts. Whether you're shopping on Amazon, logging into PayPal, or updating personal info, that one extra tap adds a powerful layer of security. It’s a small step that blocks a lot of the trouble cybercriminals hope you won’t see coming.

4. Turn On Transaction Notifications

   If someone gets hold of your card, time is everything. Real-time transaction notifications give you an instant heads-up when a purchase is made, allowing you to freeze your card or report fraud before things escalate. It’s a simple setting that can save you from a world of headache.

5. Update Your Browser and Extensions

   Black Friday brings traffic spikes online — and cybercriminals take advantage of older, unpatched software. Updating your browser and extensions ensures you’ve got the latest security fixes. Those quiet little patches close vulnerabilities hackers actively look for during high-volume shopping weekends.

Black Friday should be fun, not stressful. With a few smart habits and a healthy dose of awareness, you can enjoy the deals without putting your accounts, identity, or data at risk. Cybercriminals may be getting smarter (especially with AI at their disposal) but a few simple precautions keep you far ahead.

Stay safe, shop confidently, and enjoy the long weekend.