Stay Secure Online

Cyber Safety for the Holidays

December is arguably the most festive month of the year, filled with shopping, special events, charitable giving, and countless celebrations. But while you’re enjoying the season, scammers are gearing up for their busiest time. Practice cyber safety for the holidays. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday have become the semifinals, finals, and Super Bowl for cybercriminals. With more people shopping and donating online, cyber scams surge. To help you stay protected, here are three practical tips to boost your cyber safety and three common threats to watch for during the holidays.

First, holiday shopping and annual giving are supported by various platforms. Whether you’re purchasing gifts from your favorite e-commerce store or donating to a charity, it’s tempting to use the same passwords.  However, doing so makes you a target for hackers. To keep your accounts safe, use strong, unique passwords for each site. A good password should contain a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to store and generate secure passwords easily. Change your password frequently.

Next, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of identification—such as a text message, email, or authentication app—along with your strong and unique password. Even if a hacker obtains your password, they’ll still need access to the second authentication method. Most major e-commerce sites, email providers, and social media platforms offer 2FA.  Enabling it is one of the easiest ways to protect your accounts.

Third, monitor bank and credit card statements. With all the holiday shopping, it’s easy to lose track of your purchases. Check your bank and credit card statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions. If you see something suspicious, report it immediately. Many credit card companies offer fraud protection services but catching it early can prevent larger issues down the road.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection, losses due to cybercrime were over $12 billion in 2023 during the holiday season. Here are three cyber threats to watch out for this year:

Phishing Scams
During the holidays, phishing emails are more prevalent. Cybercriminals disguise themselves as trusted brands, friends, or family to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. These emails often appear legitimate, with holiday-themed offers or urgent requests. Always be cautious of unsolicited emails, especially those that ask for personal information. If the message is unexpected, don’t click on any links; instead, go directly to the website by typing the URL into your browser.

Fake Online Stores and Deals
Online shopping significantly increases during the holiday season, and fraudulent websites designed to look like legitimate e-commerce stores increase during this time as well. Scammers set up fake websites offering unbelievable deals to lure you in. Once you provide your payment information, they disappear with your hard-earned dollars. Always double-check the website’s URL, search for reviews of the site online, and ensure the connection is secure (look for “https” in the URL) before making a purchase. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Malware and Ransomware
IT and security professionals take vacations just like the rest of us, which makes specific organizations better targets during the holidays. Malware and ransomware pose a major risk during the holidays. These malicious programs can infect a device, steal personal data, or lock files until the user pays a ransom. Be cautious when clicking on holiday-themed pop-up ads or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Keep your software and antivirus programs up to date, as they often include patches to protect against newly discovered threats. Back up your data and bump up security tools, especially if you work from home.

Final Thoughts

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and celebration, but don’t let your guard down online. By taking simple steps to secure your accounts, being cautious about suspicious communications, and staying aware of common threats, you can protect your personal information and enjoy a safer holiday season.

Stay safe, and happy holidays from Smart City!