Tis the Season: A Cybersecurity Guide for a Merry and Secure Holiday!
As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with excitement and joy. Are you ready to dive into the festivities? I certainly am! However, amidst the merriment, it’s crucial to ponder: Should I prepare for the holidays? The answer is a resounding yes, and here’s why.
First and foremost, let’s talk tech. Ensuring that all your devices are equipped with the latest software and driver updates is not just a routine task—it’s a digital defense strategy. This step is paramount in patching your devices against potential vulnerabilities. Microsoft typically releases updates on the second Tuesday of each month, but keep your eyes peeled—urgent updates might drop sooner, depending on their severity.
Now, onto the digital guardians of your devices—the antivirus software. An indispensable layer of protection, your antivirus should not only be present but also up to date. Personally, I have a soft spot for Bitdefender; their efficiency is unmatched, and their business solutions are nothing short of amazing. Another cybersecurity heavyweight worth considering is Crowdstrike, boasting a robust program inclusive of disaster recovery and a variety of lightweight solutions.
But that’s not all. As the holiday season approaches, so does the rise of infamous email scams. While keeping your devices updated is crucial, it may not suffice. Be on high alert for fraudulent emails aiming to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking compromising links. Last year alone, Forbes reported a staggering 500 million phishing attacks in 2022, with a total loss of $52,089,159 in the U.S. alone. (Forbes data source: Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crimes Report)
So, how do you spot these scams? Always scrutinize the “from” field, look out for misspellings, be wary of unfamiliar links, and be cautious if the email evokes a sense of urgency. What if the phishing attempt appears to be from someone you know? Reach out to them via phone using contact info from a reliable source, as their email might have been compromised.
As the holiday season intensifies, these attempts will escalate. Educating yourself and your company on how to identify and thwart phishing scams is crucial. KnowBe4 offers an exceptional catalog to educate not just individuals but also employees about phishing scams, providing simulated attempts for training purposes.
Below are some examples of holiday phishing attempts that have popped up previously during the holidays.
Beyond phishing, be aware of smishing attacks—a fraudulent practice involving text messages posing as reputable companies. These messages often claim an unexpected package from USPS or UPS, urging you to click a link or share personal information. Don’t fall for it! Verify directly with the shipping companies, and if in doubt, delete the message.
Last but not least, don’t forget to never use public phone charging stations and bring your own charger (BYOC) should you decide to travel this holiday season! “Juice Jacking” operates by manipulating public charging stations to deliver more than just power to your device. In a malicious twist, cyber attackers use this opportunity to inject your device with harmful software designed to pilfer sensitive information. Your files, passwords, and even the control of your device become potential targets.
The consequences can be severe, ranging from unauthorized access to your personal data to the outright lock-down of your device. Imagine a scenario where your smartphone becomes a hostage, and the only way to regain control is by succumbing to the cyber extortionist’s demands.
These demands typically come in the form of a ransom, requiring victims to make payments with gift cards or cryptocurrencies to unlock their phones. It’s a sinister game that preys on the urgency we feel when our devices are on the brink of shutdown.
With these precautions, you’ll not only be spreading holiday cheer but also safeguarding your digital realm for a secure and festive season. So, let the countdown to a cyber-safe and joy-filled holiday begin!