From November 4 to 6, a new edition of the Cyber ​​Monday , the massive sales event organized by the Argentine Chamber of Electronic Commerce (CACE) that invites Argentine consumers to take advantage of the offers and promotions of businesses online . For many, furthermore, this three-day window of offers represents the opportunity to advance their Christmas and year-end shopping.

In the 2023 edition, sales of products and services for more than 157 billion pesos were completed (a growth of 187% in billing compared to the previous year) and 4.2 million purchase orders were completed (5% more than in 2022). These high transaction volumes in a 72-hour period represent a wake-up call for consumers: as well as shopping online increase, so does the action of cybercriminals , which seek to take advantage of the urgency and enthusiasm of those trying to get the best ones. offers.

How to be vigilant so as not to expose yourself to virtual dangers and scams? The experts of NeoSecure by SEK , a company specialized in delivering cybersecurity solutions and services to companies, detailed some of the main threats that buyers should be aware of during this Cyber ​​Monday :

1. Don't fall into it phishing . Scammers often create websites that imitate legitimate online stores. In their quick search, many customers run the risk of entering personal and financial information on these sites, which can result in identity theft and financial loss. It is essential to verify that the URL is correct and note the security padlock in the address bar (although this also runs the risk of being bypassed by scammers). A recommendation to take care of the security of purchases during the event is to enter the official website of the event. Cyber ​​Monday in Argentina.

2. Doubt offers that are too good to be true . Many big discount ads may be nothing more than a trap. Before making a purchase it is advisable to research prices and check the reputation of the seller. Furthermore, it is always advisable to look for the seller's official website and never click on links received through emails or social networks.

3. Avoid exposing yourself to data theft through unofficial applications. Unverified mobile apps can compromise sensitive information. It is important that users can only download apps from official stores, such as the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, and ensure that they have good reviews and ratings.

4. Monitor unauthorized credit card charging. The scams of carding They involve using stolen credit card data to make online purchases. It is advisable to regularly monitor bank statements and use payment solutions that offer an additional level of security.

5. Do not be tempted by false promotions on social networks. Social media is fertile ground for scams related to fake products and giveaways. Consumers should be cautious when interacting with posts that offer extreme discounts or prizes in exchange for personal information. If you receive a very attractive offer, it is advisable to access the official site and look for the same product on offer. Many times a discount coupon is associated, it is not necessary to use the link received.

“Education and critical thinking are the best defense against fraud,” considered Ariel Gallippi, Country Manager at NeoSecure by SEK. "On days like el Cyber Monday, Where emotion can cloud judgment, it is necessary not to let your guard down when you are shopping online. Taking preventative measures can help. The most important thing is to always use secure and unique passwords for each account, avoiding repeating them; enable two-factor authentication whenever possible; keep the software updated security code and perform security analysis. malware on a regular basis. Care helps reduce exposure and prevents the shopping experience from being ruined or even ending up being much more expensive,” Gallippi concluded.