Shop with reputable online retailers. If a retailer is unknown to you, check them out a bit before providing any information. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to start. You also can do a general internet search for customer reviews of the company.

Read the file product description as well as the terms and conditions. Always take your time to review the terms and conditions, warranty, insurance options, the return policy and the location of the product you are trying to purchase.

Create unique usernames and passwords. As you probably know by now, using the same password for every site is poor privacy practice, but still many overlook the importance of username security. To keep your online history private from criminals, create a unique username for each website on which you shop. To keep track, use a password manager or go old school and write passwords down on paper to be stored in a safe place.

Nearly every email client now allows users to opt for two-step authentication, which works as a normal login with a username and password but requires a verification code sent through a separate device like a phone for access. This second layer of security is a great way to ensure the only person who signs into your account is you. In addition to setting up two-step authentication on email, Cyber Monday shoppers should check if the retailers they are purchasing from offer their own security measures.

Set-up alerts with your credit card issuer that send both SMS and emails when any purchases are made.The alerts can also help you manage your personal finances by alerting you before a payment is due, if your balance goes over a specific amount, or if you're close to your credit limit.

The IRS, state tax agencies, and the tax industry joined together as the Security Summit to enact a series of initiative to help protect you from tax-related identity theft in 2017. You can help by taking the basic steps mentioned above.