But an increase in online shopping means we’re at more risk of falling for scams and the National Cyber Security Centre is warning shoppers to be extra vigilant as fraudsters employ artificial intelligence (AI) to dupe victims. ​

This month we’ve put together a helpful list of dos and don’ts to help you stay safe when shopping online during the festive season.

Make Sure Your Device is Secure
However you shop online – whether on your smartphone, tablet or PC, always make sure your device is up to date with the latest operating system. This will ensure you are protected against any security or privacy weaknesses. If you haven’t already, then install a reputable antivirus software and remember to check for updates regularly.

Be Careful Where you Shop
Generally, you’re safer when shopping on sites for well-known big brands – they should have robust security systems to help prevent data breaches. This doesn’t mean you should avoid small businesses, but you do need to take a bit more care- check the authenticity of website links by searching the web address manually (don’t click on links you’ve been sent from 3rd parties). Google has a handy URL checker to help you verify the safety of a link- simply copy and paste the link into the checker. Look at reviews and feedback from trusted sources such as consumer websites like Which? and Trustpilot.

Use a Credit Card to Pay for Goods
Paying with a credit card gives you extra protection if things go wrong. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act you are covered by credit card protection if you use your credit card for purchases for single items costing over £100 and under £30000.

Debit card transactions are not covered under Section 75, but they do protect purchases under £100 via chargeback. Do not agree to pay for goods by bank transfer.

When you are completing a purchase online always check the site is secure in the browser address bar. Although this doesn’t actually protect your purchase it does ensure you are using a secure connection, vital when you are inputting sensitive data online!

Be Vigilant
Scammers and fraudsters will be upping their game as we head towards December so expect an increase in spammy emails, questionable texts about missed deliveries and dodgy ads on social media. Last year Which? reported that 1 in 6 were targeted by scam ads.

When Things Go Wrong 
If you order a product or service and things aren’t quite right, then in the first instance you should try to resolve it with the retailer. If you need to take things further then check out this useful guide from the Citizens Advice Bureau. It has all the information you need when trying to claim refunds when you pay by PayPal or card.

If you accidentally click a dodgy link then don’t panic – run your antivirus software to do a thorough check of your device and contact a professional IT technician for further advice.

Day 1- Organise the photos on your Smartphone
Go through your photos and delete the pictures you don’t want. Next, organise your photos into folders so you know where to find those special pictures and finally, make sure you backup your photos- either to an external drive or to the cloud.

Day 2 - Clean up your desktop
Delete files and folders you no longer use or need. Organise everything else into the correct folders (anywhere except on your desktop). The result will be a nice clean looking desktop and hopefully it will run a bit faster too!

Day 3 - Update your Antivirus
Don’t give the hackers an easy ride- make sure your antivirus software is up to date and running (including your smartphone).

Day 4 - Update Your Operating System
An outdated operating system will slow down your device and make it vulnerable to security issues. Update your OS now to fix known bugs and security holes.

Day 5 - Delete unwanted Apps
Free up some space and speed up your device by getting rid of apps you no longer need or use.

Day 6 - Tidy up your Email Folders
1000’s of unread emails in your inbox? Organise them now and delete the rubbish. You’ll feel so much better once you’ve had a good clear out!

Day 7 - Backup Your Data
While you’re getting organised it’s a good time to make sure you have backed up all your important data- we recommend using an external drive as well as backing up to the cloud.

Day 8 - Use a Password Manager
Many of us will be doing lots of Christmas shopping online so it’s important to have strong passwords for your accounts. Keeping a track of them can seem impossible but password managers are a great way to generate and store those all important details.

Day 9 - Clean your Hardware
Dust, grease and grime can damage your pc and other devices so show them some love and spruce them up before Christmas! Clean air vents to remove dust, wipe screens and remove finger and hand prints and clean your keyboard to get rid of crumbs and other debris.

Day 10 - Give your Internet a Boost
Fast broadband is essential for streaming all those Christmas movies! Check your broadband speed and make sure you’re getting the service you are paying for. Ensure your router is running the latest firmware and that you are running the latest version of your browser.

Day 11 - Clear up your Contacts (and delete old texts)
Go through your list carefully and delete unneeded (or unwanted) contacts. Do the same with your text messages, it’s easy to just let them build up but they use up precious space on your device so delete the ones you no longer need.

Day 12 - Install A Santa Tracker
The big day is nearly here and if you have kids they’re probably getting very excited about Santa making his journey from the North Pole. At File Genie HQ we have a tradition of following Santa’s progress via one of the many tracker apps available- it’s magical!

Hopefully these steps will help you get your devices clean, organised and ready to capture the special moments you have over Christmas.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

As ‘tis the season of goodwill', this month I’m going to share one of our family traditions with you all.
 
On Christmas eve, we will be tracking Santa’s progress and he travels around the globe delivering all those gifts to children young and old. There are several apps out there to help – the oldest is the NORAD Santa tracker which is available on Apple and Android apps as well as on your desktop or laptop browser.

NORAD is the North American Aerospace Defense Command and they have been tracking Santa now since 1955 and telling children where Santa has been spotted on their radar. www.noradsanta.org
You might also want to try the Google version at https://santatracker.google.com/village.html
 
There are another couple of things you can do both with and for the little people in your family at Christmas that we have great fun with.
 
Try the Elf Yourself app (on iOS, Android and browser) and make some great elf animations into which you paste selfie face shots or photos of family members. This make excellent electronic greetings to send around your family as well as being good fun to make. You can include up to five family members – so go fish out a picture of all your kids and get creating.
https://www.elfyourself.com/
 
Last but not least, how about a video for your children sent direct from Santa in the North Pole? You can personalise a message so that Santa knows your child’s name and what they have asked for as gifts and so on. This is a great one for bedtime on Christmas eve to encourage your little ones to sleep…well, try at least! Do be aware that this has both free and premium (Paid) options. The free ones are terrific though.
https://www.portablenorthpole.com/en/home
 
Most of all, we wish you and yours the very best at Christmas and hope that Santa has you all on his ‘nice’ list and brings you everything you deserve.

A Merry Christmas to you and all your family.

Tis the Season of Good Will - written for File Genie by Freelance Writer Ruth Raymer @WritingWalking