Cyber threats don’t take a holiday. Whether you’re shopping online, working remotely, or managing personal accounts, practicing strong cybersecurity habits is critical. These cybersecurity tips will help you protect your data, avoid scams, and keep your devices secure all year long.
However, it is no surprise that cybersecurity threats increase across the board during the holidays, especially online. With more people shopping online and scrambling during last-minute shopping, it has been easier than ever.
While attacks often spike during the holiday season, hackers target users year-round. Phishing scams, weak passwords, and unpatched devices create opportunities for cybercriminals. Following proven cybersecurity tips reduces risk and strengthens your defenses no matter the time of year.
Cybersecurity Tips to Avoid Scammy Links, Emails, and Offers
There was a running joke for a while that you could easily notice a malicious app, email, or website due to misspellings, poor-quality graphics, and incoherent messaging. However, hackers have become quite skilled at creating duplicate websites that, at a glance, anyone would assume are legitimate. Take the time to verify the website URL or do a quick independent search to ensure the version you’re accessing is authentic. It’s best practice to check the email address of the sender: Is the domain consistent with the “company”? Did that text notification include specific or vague information regarding your order?
Quick Tips:
- Keep software and devices updated
- Use unique passwords and a password manager
- Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication)
- Back up important files regularly
- Be cautious with links and attachments
Scam Red Flag: Urgent Emails and Fake Alerts
Hostile emails and notifications will use language specifically to try and get you to react without thinking. Labeling the subjects and headers “urgent” or “critical” is typically the opposite. The more stressed and anxious you are to take action, the more you don’t get a chance to take a step back and analyze those messages. When in doubt, throw it out, and if it’s too good to be true, it most likely is.
Best Practices for Securing Your Bank Account
Some people consistently monitor their bank accounts and review the charges to ensure they are not fraudulent or duplicates. Other people…. do not. It is easy to rely on the services of our banks’ online security measures and notifications as a way of outsourcing the responsibility of monitoring our accounts ourselves. However, this is precisely what hackers are hoping and expecting. Most attacks get overlooked because of people who aren’t consistent with checking their accounts and realize the charges too late, or the charges are for small enough amounts that fall under the radar. Whatever the case, keep your money on our shopping list, not your hacker’s. Don’t take your cybersecurity for granted!
Treat Your Special Deliveries Extra Special
Chances are, if you are doing your holiday shopping online, you find yourself opening your front door to a package or two and completely forgetting what is inside. Thankfully, many shopping sites and delivery services provide notifications and updates to give you the heads up when things are on their way or delivered. However, this is another way for hackers to prey on their victims. Our excitement and curiosity get the best of us. Instead, go directly to the vendor’s website to investigate your order once you get a notification.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year to Stay Safe
Luckily, No-IP has a partnership with IPVanish that includes an exclusive two-year plan, as well as a 50% off coupon on our Rapid SSL Wildcard DV Certificate for a limited time.
The holidays are a time to focus on the ones we love. Falling prey to hackers is no one’s idea of a good time. It’s sad to think that hackers take advantage of people during this time of year. However, as long as you take a moment to proactively protect your cybersecurity, think critically about what you click on and what passes through your inbox, you are already less of a target.