Protecting Your Digital Privacy During Last-Minute Holiday Shopping

As Christmas rapidly approaches, many people are scrambling to finish their last-minute holiday shopping online. However, experts are warning that in the rush to check off everyone on your list, you may be putting your digital privacy at risk.

With the rise of connected devices and smart toys, the amount of personal data being collected and shared has never been higher. The Mozilla Foundation recently released its annual Naughty List, which highlighted numerous products for their questionable data privacy practices.

Chester Wisniewski, director and global field chief technology officer for Sophos, emphasizes the importance of protecting what little privacy we have left. He suggests taking simple steps to safeguard your data while shopping online and setting up new devices.

Some tips for protecting your privacy while last-minute shopping include using an ad blocker to prevent tracking cookies, setting up separate logins for online accounts, and using temporary credit card numbers. When setting up connected devices, take your time to minimize data collection and ensure strong passwords and two-factor authentication are in place.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s crucial to be mindful of the data you’re sharing and take steps to protect your privacy online. By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and secure shopping experience this holiday season.