Shop Local, Stay Secure: How Albuquerque Businesses and Shoppers Can Stay Safe This Holiday Season

In our November newsletter, we shared a quick reminder about shopping local and staying cyber-safe. In this expanded version, we’re taking that message a step further—because supporting local businesses isn’t just good for Albuquerque’s economy, it’s also an opportunity to practice smarter cybersecurity on both sides of the transaction.

The Holiday Rush Brings More Than Shoppers

The holiday season is a high point for online shopping—and, unfortunately, for cybercriminals. As local businesses gear up for the busiest months of the year, scammers do too. Fake websites, phishing emails, and fraudulent ads become more common, all designed to trick shoppers into revealing personal or financial information.

According to cybersecurity researchers, online shopping fraud spikes by more than 20% between November and January. That means every purchase, whether it’s from a local boutique or a major retailer, deserves a second look.

For Shoppers: Support Local, Shop Smart

When you buy from a small business, you’re helping keep Albuquerque’s economy vibrant—but it’s just as important to keep your information secure while doing it. Here are a few simple ways to stay safe this season:

  • Double-check the web address. Look for “https://” at the start of URLs and make sure the site name matches the store you intended to visit.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases. Free Wi-Fi in coffee shops or airports is convenient but rarely secure. Wait until you’re on a trusted network before entering payment information.
  • Use strong, unique passwords. Reusing the same password across multiple sites increases your risk if one account is compromised.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Many e-commerce sites now offer an extra verification step, such as a code sent to your phone.
  • Beware of deals that look too good to be true. Scammers rely on urgency and deep discounts to get clicks.

Small steps like these help protect not just your own data, but the businesses you love to support.

For Local Businesses: Protecting Your Customers and Your Reputation

While consumers play a big role in cybersecurity, the responsibility doesn’t end there. Local business owners can take proactive steps to ensure their customers’ data—and their own operations—stay safe throughout the busy season.

  • Keep software and plugins up to date. Outdated point-of-sale systems or e-commerce platforms are among the easiest targets for hackers.
  • Review access permissions. Make sure only trusted employees can access your business email, website backend, and payment systems.
  • Train your team. A quick refresher on recognizing phishing attempts or suspicious attachments can prevent costly mistakes.
  • Secure backups. Regularly back up key business and customer data in case of ransomware or system failures.
  • Use a trusted IT partner. A local managed service provider can help monitor, patch, and secure your systems year-round.

At LDD Consulting, we help Albuquerque businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture with managed protection, proactive monitoring, and expert guidance—so you can focus on running your business with confidence.

A Stronger, Safer Local Economy

When Albuquerque businesses invest in cybersecurity and shoppers stay alert online, the whole community benefits. Every secure transaction keeps money—and trust—flowing through our local economy.

This holiday season, let’s make sure our community’s spirit of generosity is matched with a commitment to digital safety. Because in today’s connected world, supporting local means protecting local, too.

Ready to make sure your business is protected before the holiday rush?
Schedule a free 10-minute call with our team to discuss your cybersecurity readiness and see if you qualify for a complimentary security risk assessment.