The holidays are a time for celebration, connection, and spreading joy—but they’re also a peak season for cybercriminals. From phishing scams to fake e-commerce sites, the festive rush provides plenty of opportunities for hackers to catch you off guard.
At AwareGO, we believe that cybersecurity should be simple, effective, and accessible for everyone. That’s why we’re sharing practical tips to help you navigate common holiday cyber hazards.
Top Holiday Cybersecurity Threats
- Phishing Scams:
Watch out for fake emails offering “too-good-to-be-true” deals or urgent requests for information. These often look legitimate but are designed to steal your data. - Fake Shopping Sites:
Shopping online? Verify the site is real before you enter payment details. Look for secure payment methods and read reviews if you’re unsure. - Malicious E-Cards:
Love receiving holiday greetings? Be cautious—some e-cards contain malware. Open only those from trusted sources. - Social Engineering Tricks:
Cybercriminals often exploit emotions during the holidays, whether through fake charity requests or “urgent” messages claiming to be from your bank or delivery service.
How to Stay Cyber-Safe This Holiday Season
- Think Before You Click: Always hover over links to see where they lead. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited messages or emails.
- Secure Your Accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- Shop Safely: Stick to well-known, reputable online retailers, and always verify the web address (look for HTTPS).
- Update Your Devices: Ensure your operating systems and apps are updated with the latest security patches.
- Stay Informed: Share these tips with family and friends—cybersecurity is a team effort!
Watch Our Holiday Cybersecurity Video For a quick, fun guide to avoiding these holiday cyber hazards, check out our latest video:
This holiday season, let’s make sure the only surprises are the good kind. Stay aware, stay secure, and enjoy every moment!
Wishing you a joyful and cyber-safe holiday season,
The AwareGO Team