COLUMBUS – Cyber Monday, the first day back at work for most people after the Thanksgiving weekend, is when shoppers traditionally use their employers’ faster internet connections to shop for holiday bargains.
But with the spread of broadband service in homes and the increased use of smartphones, it’s possible the Cyber Monday effect on the holiday shopping season may be blunted, experts say.
For online shoppers, security experts say it is risky to shop in WiFi hotspots, which may not be secure.
In October, Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a new cybersecurity awareness campaign to help Ohioans combat identity theft and cyber fraud.
Click here for a list of security tips from the Ohio Attorney General
The latest numbers show a trend toward kicking back at home to snatch up deals and the online shopping trend has taken a bite out of the business done by brick-and-mortar stores during the Thanksgiving weekend, the unofficial start of the Christmas shopping binge.
Protect your identity and purchases while shopping with these tips
Sales at retail stores on Black Friday fell to $10.4 billion this year, down from $11.6 billion in 2014.
Another factor is that many retailers offer bargains long before Thanksgiving, which tends to limit the impact of Black Friday specials.