As the Black Friday frenzy fast approaches, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is sounding the alarm on cyber sharks ready to feast on unsuspecting bargain hunters. Officials urge Illinoisans to keep their wits as sharp as their shopping lists this holiday season.
In a statement aimed at arming shoppers with knowledge, IDOR Director David Harris said, "IDOR, members of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and other state tax administrators all work together to safeguard taxpayers year-round," and warned that whether you're snagging deals online or casually scrolling social media, your personal information could fall prey to online predators. These tips were released on a state government website earlier today.
First on the list of no-brainers: keep mum on personal deets. Sharing your birthday, home address, and the like makes you an easy target. Harris insists it's a must to set strong passwords; better yet, use a password manager to never actually remember them yourself. And don't even think twice about enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA)—consider it your digital bodyguard.
For tech heads and luddites alike, one thing to be absolutely sure to do is update that software. Keeping your devices current is akin to locking your doors at night—common sense. And while doing so, throw in some cyber security tools like anti-virus software or firewalls to bolster your fortifications. Moreover, a VPN isn’t just a fad; it cloaks your digital footsteps, especially on treacherous public Wi-Fi terrain.33
Beware the siren song of email deals; they're a Trojan horse for hackers masquerading as the next best deal insert. And if you think your debit card is as safe as a house for online plundering, think again. Opt for a credit card to put a stalwart fiscal champion between your real dough and the abyss of theft.
