Safe shopping this holiday season

• December 05 2018
• http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business-observer/safe-shopping-this-holiday-season-5-tips-to-protect-yourself-while-shopping-online-or-in-person_151299

As we approach the beginning of the holiday season, we are excited to celebrate with family and friends, neighbours coming together, and loved ones coming home for the holidays. We want to celebrate and show our affection by giving gifts purchased online, in stores, or at the Grand Market.

But one instance of theft, either cyber or in person, is enough to erase some of that holiday cheer.

A Symantec Norton survey found that nearly 978 million people worldwide were victims of cybercrime in 2017. And in 2013, the Organization of American States and Trend Micro released a report , Latin American and Caribbean Cybersecurity Trends and Government Reponses, that found the Jamaican Government reported a 14 per cent increase in the number of cyber incidents in 2012. While most targeted public institutions, financial institutions were another popular target.

With the number of Internet users throughout Jamaica and the Caribbean continuing to grow, it is important that you are aware of how to protect yourself, your data, and your finances.

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) wants to provide you with five tips designed to help you feel safer when holiday shopping — both online and in person.

SHOP USING TRUSTED WEBSITES