During the holiday season, especially around Christmas, people tend to be more active online, and cybercriminals will take advantage of this increased activity to exploit vulnerabilities. Here are some cybersecurity tips to help you stay safe over the festive period.
Beware of phishing scams
Exercise caution when clicking on links in emails, especially those from unknown senders. Be sceptical of emails asking for personal or financial information. Double-check the legitimacy of emails, especially those claiming to be from banks, retailers, or shipping companies.
Secure online shopping
Only shop on trusted and secure sites, look for the padlock icon and “https” in the URL, and avoid public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks for financial transactions. Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts, and consider using a password manager to help keep track of them.
Update your devices
Ensure that your operating system, antivirus software, and other applications are up-to-date with the latest security patches. Set your devices to update automatically if possible.
Monitor your bank statements
Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any discrepancies to your bank immediately.
Social media awareness
Be cautious about sharing travel plans or specific holiday details on social media. This information could be used by criminals to target your home.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Enable MFA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. This typically involves receiving a code on your phone or email in addition to entering your password.
Backup your data
Regularly backup important data, such as family photos and important documents, to an external hard drive or a secure cloud service. This helps protect against ransomware attacks.
Educate family members
Ensure that all family members are aware of cybersecurity best practices, especially if they share devices or accounts.
Secure your Wi-Fi network
Use a strong, unique password for your Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorized access. Consider changing the default router login credentials.
Install security software
Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on all your devices to protect against potential threats. You can always ask your local IT support provider for advice on the best antivirus software.
Managed IT Systems like our Bronze Plan and Home PC Care Plan will proactively monitor and maintain your computer systems to ensure that they run efficiently, securely and with minimal downtime.
Be wary of e-cards and unsolicited emails
Cybercriminals may use fake e-cards or emails with malicious attachments to spread malware. Avoid opening emails or attachments from unknown sources.
Check children’s devices
If children receive new devices as gifts, ensure that parental controls and security settings are configured appropriately.
By staying vigilant and following these cybersecurity tips, you can help protect yourself and your family from potential online threats. If you need any help with your IT security issues please get in touch.