Don't get hacked this holiday season!

The holiday season is here. This is the time of year when scam artists are operating at full-tilt. Half of shoppers are buying gifts online this year. I've blogged about this in the past. This post is simply a reminder to be on your toes and to not share information about yourself with anyone who calls or emails you.

For tips in preventing identity theft and online scams, see the StaySafeOnline.org article Hackers Love the Holidays Too: How to Protect Yourself from Information and Identity Theft, summarized here.

• Avoid making purchases when using public Wi-fi.
• Never clicks links in unexpected, unusual or out-of-character emails - navigate to the web site directly from your browser. Just because an email looks like it is from someone you know doesn't mean it is legitimate.
• Never download or open attachments sent to you in email.
• Use anti-virus software and activate the firewall on your operating system.
• Delete unused accounts on web e-commerce and other sites where possible.

Remember: Stop. Think. Do not click.