Whether you’re online shopping now, or waiting for Cyber Monday, there are some precautions you need to take...

If you’re getting a jump on your shopping online...

...here are a few rules to follow to protect yourself, from the security experts at Webroot:

DON'T use your debit card. Debit cards don't always carry the same kind of purchase protection or identity theft security as your credit cards, putting you at greater risk of being hacked. 

DO check out virtual credit cards. A lot of banks offer these temporary cards that allow you to set limits and expiration dates.

DON'T shop in public. Because most public spots don't encrypt your information, the passwords and credit card numbers you enter while connected are all the more exposed.

DO use a secure network for your purchase. It’s okay to get some virtual window shopping done on a public network – just save the actual purchasing until you’re home on your own trusted connection.