Stay safe from cyber threats this Christmas

Christmas time brings joy, celebration, and an uptick in online shopping and digital activity.  Unfortunately, it also marks a peak time for cyber criminals looking to exploit the festive rush as Marketing Co-ordinator Abbey Wright explains.

Here’s a deep dive into common cyber threats during Christmas and practical ways to protect yourself.

• Phishing emails are a year-round threat, but during Christmas, they often masquerade as enticing deals, fake order confirmations, or even urgent messages from charitable organisations.
• Cyber criminals set up fraudulent websites mimicking popular retailers to trick shoppers into revealing their credit card details. These scams can be difficult to spot, as the sites often look legitimate.
• Fraudsters exploit the goodwill of the season, creating fake charity appeals or pretending to be friends in need of help. Social media is a particularly common avenue for these tactics.
• Digital Christmas greetings are a modern way to spread cheer, but some contain malicious attachments or links that install malware on your device.
• With millions of parcels being shipped during the holidays, scammers send fake delivery notifications containing malicious links or requesting personal information.

How to Safeguard Yourself

Be wary of unsolicited communications – Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources.

Shop smart online – Stick to well-known and reputable retailers. Check the URL carefully for typos or subtle alterations.

Strengthen your cyber hygiene – Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible.

Be sceptical of deals that are too good to be true – If a deal seems unrealistically cheap, it probably is. Compare prices across multiple sites to verify its legitimacy.

Monitor your financial activity – Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorised transactions.

The Christmas season should be a time for celebration, not stress over cyber security. By staying vigilant, exercising caution, and employing these safeguards, you can enjoy the festivities without falling victim to cyber-crime.

Wishing you a merry and cyber-safe Christmas!