Bad Santa is coming for your Data

Or why cybersecurity threats increase during the holiday season?

This time of year may be all about spending time with family and friends. However, it is also synonym of a massive increase in internet shopping.

Every year during the Christmas season, retail e-commerce sales increase. Personal data theft becomes more likely when banking and email activity increases. Consumers are also more inclined to become distracted or let down their guard as the holiday season approaches.

So, here are some recommendations to help you avoid cybersecurity incidents and enjoy the holiday season:

• Update your operating system and applications. The first step is to go over the fundamentals. You can also update all of your browsers, install an anti-virus software, and connect all of your devices to a virtual private network (VPN). Here is an article to install a VPN if you have no idea how to do it.
• Check the security of vendor websites. Examine your browser’s address bar. If there is no lock or the letters “https,” do not submit any confidential info on that page.
• Passwords should not be reused. You’ll be purchasing presents from a slew of sellers, all of which will want you to sign up for a more easy shopping experience. Once you’ve used a password for one vendor, don’t use it again. If one of those suppliers is compromised, the hackers will have your password for every other site where you used it.
• Be wary of the sender. You will receive a deluge of email offers from firms you don’t recognize, as well as those you do. It’s difficult to discern which offers are real and which include a malware link or file. If you receive an email with a good bargain from a trusted seller, go to their website directly rather than clicking the link or downloading the file.
• Avoid limited-time discounts and bargains. If the bargain appears to be too good to be true, there is a catch. Resist the urge to buy anything based on a social media marketing. If you notice a product that you believe would make a fantastic present, investigate the merchant and take your time before purchasing.
• Delete all of your previous info. This Christmas season, you could acquire or donate a new electronic item, which means you’ll be getting rid of an old one. Make a point of erasing all of your personal data and logging out of all services and applications. After that, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reset the device.

If you follow those advice, you should be cyber secure; but, you should still be cautious and think before acting.