Holiday Season Alert: Stay Cyber-Safe!
The holidays are just around the corner, and so are hackers ready to steal more than just holiday joy. As the season of gift-giving approaches, it’s vital to stay vigilant against scams and take preventative measures to secure your personal and business information.
With the rush to find the perfect gifts, we often become distracted and more susceptible to scams, especially phishing attempts. According to McAfee, 36% of Americans fall for holiday online shopping scams.
11 Tips to Stay Safe Online
- Check for Security: Ensure the address bar shows a padlock symbol and the URL starts with “https://”. An unlocked padlock or a URL without “https://” indicates an insecure site.
- Research Before Buying: Investigate the company or seller’s reviews and return policy before making a purchase. Beware of deals that seem too good to be true or unsolicited promo emails.
- Think Before Clicking: Hover over email attachments or links to avoid phishing scams.
- Use Secure Payment Methods: Avoid cash, wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency for online purchases. Instead, use credit cards or trusted payment services like PayPal, which offer fraud protection and dispute resolution.
- Protect Personal Information: Only provide the minimum required details online and never share your Social Security number. Don’t overshare; avoid filling in unnecessary details online.
- Ignore Unwanted Contacts: Don’t respond to unsolicited calls and texts. Scammers may try to trick you into buying fake products or services. Use tools like the FTC’s Do Not Call Registry or your phone’s blocking feature to prevent these messages.
- Avoid Immediate Actions: Scammers often create urgency to manipulate you. If asked to change a password, provide bank information, or share your Social Security number, contact the business or person directly to verify the request. Their email address might be compromised.
- Update & Patch: Keep your devices and software up-to-date.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Use two-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Be Wi-Fi Wise: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for online shopping or entering personal info.
- Gift Smartly: If gifting an
(Internet of Things) device, educate the recipient about changing default passwords.
What To Do If Compromised
- Change Passwords: Start with your email and then other critical accounts. Consider having a
to store your information securely. - Notify Authorities: Report the cyber incident to relevant authorities or platforms.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Look out for suspicious activity.
- Seek Professional Help: Consider getting assistance from cybersecurity professionals.
Stay Vigilant and Enjoy a Safe Holiday Season
By following these tips—such as checking for secure websites, using trusted payment methods, and protecting your personal information—you can enjoy a safer online shopping experience. Remember to stay informed, think before you click, and take immediate action if you suspect any fraudulent activity. Stay cyber-savvy and keep the holiday joy intact.
For an added layer of security, 
with our Solutions Specialist for an IT Audit of your company’s network. Stay safe and secure this holiday season!