Cyber Safe for the Holidays: Protecting Yourself in a Digital Wonderland

Not sure if you guys have been feeling it, but this seems to be the year of the hacker! Just the other day, I (Destanie), received a text message that looked like this:

Most of us have received a message like this after we purchase something from one of your favorite vendors. Well, there was one major problem. I was sitting a real estate training when I got this message!

I know better than to click on links I don’t recognize so I did some investigative work first…

  1. I read the message carefully to check for typos. That’s usually a clear indicator that it’s a scam.

  2. I checked my bank account to see if I had any charges that I didn’t recognize. I did not. My banking information looked just fine.

  3. I Googled the company. They existed and they were located in an area of Dallas that I would actually go in.

Interesting…

So I did what I never advise my friends and family to do and that was click the link! You won’t believe what happened next. Nothing. It showed a square receipt for a 6 pack of cupcakes for $31. I quickly scanned for typos and found none. Hmmmm.

Next I called the store to see if possibly someone may have given my phone number by mistake. They confirmed they had not so I called my bank and decided to lock my card for a few days until further notice.

Weird, right?

Well this holiday season, we also want you to be safe. Unfortunately, increased cyber threats are likely with the increase online shopping and as we immerse ourselves in the holiday festivities, it's crucial to prioritize our online safety. Here are some essential tips to ensure a cyber-secure holiday season.

1. Strengthen your digital fortress by updating passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. This simple step can work wonders when protecting your cyber fortress. Consider using a passphrase with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to create a robust defense against hackers.

2. Beware of holiday-themed phishing scams. Cybercriminals often exploit the holiday spirit to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful attachments. Exercise caution when receiving unsolicited emails or messages, especially those claiming to be from shipping companies, charities, or retailers. Verify the legitimacy of the communication before taking any action.

3. Be cautious when shopping online. Stick to reputable websites, ensure the website's URL starts with "https," and double-check for secure payment options. Avoid making purchases using public Wi-Fi networks, as they may not be secure, making your sensitive information vulnerable to interception.

4. Keep your devices updated with the latest security patches. Software updates often include fixes for vulnerabilities that cybercriminals may exploit. Set your devices to update automatically whenever possible to ensure you're protected against the latest threats.

5. Educate yourself and your loved ones about online safety. Share these tips with family and friends to create a collective awareness of the importance of cybersecurity during the holidays. By staying vigilant and implementing these practices, you can enjoy a safe and secure digital holiday experience.

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