Ho-Ho-Hold Up! Cyber Risks to Watch Out For This Christmas

The festive season is almost upon us, and with it comes the annual surge in online shopping, gift-giving, social media sharing, and (let’s be honest) a fair bit of procrastination. But while you're hunting for the best deals, coordinating last-minute gift ideas, and catching up with family online, it’s important to keep one thing on your radar: cyber risks.

Just like you wouldn’t leave your front door wide open when you're out shopping, don’t leave your personal data vulnerable while you’re online this holiday season. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest cyber risks that can ruin your holiday cheer—and how to stay safe from them.

1. Black Friday & Cyber Monday Scams: The ‘Too Good to Be True’ Offers

We all love a bargain, but scammers know that and prey on our eagerness for a deal. During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, fake websites pop up like virtual mushrooms after a rainstorm, all offering unbelievable discounts on popular products.

How to avoid it:

• Stick to well-known retailers and don’t click on suspicious links or social media ads offering “too good to be true” deals.
• Always double-check the URL: If it’s a weird, misspelt version of a legit site (think: “amzon.com ” instead of “amazon.com ”), steer clear!
• Use credit cards instead of debit cards—they offer better fraud protection.

2. Scam Emails & Texts: “Your Package is Waiting”

One of the classic holiday scams that pop up is the “lost package” email or text. These phishing attempts pretend to be from delivery services like UPS, FedEx, or even your local courier, with urgent messages asking you to click a link to track your package or update delivery details. It may look official, but it’s all designed to steal your personal info or install malware on your device.

How to avoid it:

• Don’t click on links from unsolicited emails or texts. Always go to the delivery service’s official website directly to track packages.
• Look for red flags: Suspicious language (like urgency or threats), unfamiliar sender addresses, or strange attachments.
• Enable two-factor authentication on your accounts for extra protection.

3. Social Media Sharing: Oversharing Gifts & Plans

We all love to show off our holiday spirit—whether it’s posting about that perfect gift you bought or sharing pictures of your family’s Christmas festivities. However, oversharing on social media can create unintended vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals can use information you’ve posted—like the brand of your new gadgets or where you’re travelling—to target you with phishing scams or even physical theft.

How to avoid it:

• Think before you post! Avoid revealing sensitive details like your full address, travel plans, or personal info about gifts you’ve bought (especially if you’re posting about high-value items).
• Review your privacy settings on social media platforms. You can limit who sees your posts and make sure only friends and family can see your updates.
• Be cautious when accepting friend requests—scammers often impersonate people you know to gain access to your network.

4. Public Wi-Fi: ‘Free Wi-Fi’ Isn’t Always Free

Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate in a café or browsing for gifts in a crowded shopping centre, public Wi-Fi networks can seem tempting—after all, it’s free, right? But these networks can be a goldmine for hackers looking to intercept your sensitive data. If you're checking your bank account or making an online purchase, you could be setting yourself up for disaster.

How to avoid it:

• Avoid conducting sensitive activities (like online shopping or banking) over public Wi-Fi.
• If you absolutely must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy.
• Turn off file sharing on your device to make it harder for hackers to access your files.

5. IoT Devices & Smart Gadgets: ‘Do You Really Need that Extra Security Camera?’

Smart devices—like smart speakers, holiday decorations, and security cameras—are all the rage during the holidays. But as convenient as these gadgets are, they can also be a security nightmare if they’re not properly secured. Many IoT (Internet of Things) devices come with weak passwords or outdated software that could leave the door wide open for cybercriminals.

How to avoid it:

• Change the default passwords on your smart devices immediately. Strong, unique passwords for each device are a must.
• Ensure all your devices (especially new ones) are updated with the latest security patches.
• Consider using a separate network for your IoT devices, keeping them isolated from your primary home network.

6. Phishing: ‘Let’s Spread Some Holiday Cheer’

Phishing isn’t just about package tracking and shopping discounts—it can also come in the form of fake charity requests. The holidays are a time for giving, but they’re also a prime opportunity for scammers to exploit your generosity with fake donation requests, holiday-themed scams, and fake holiday “cheer” emails from friends or family.

How to avoid it:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited donation requests, especially those that create a sense of urgency or use emotional tactics.
• Double-check charity organizations by researching them through official websites or platforms like Charity Navigator.
• Don’t click on links in unexpected emails or texts. If you receive a request that looks strange, verify it through a separate, trusted source.

7. Gift Cards: The Gift That Keeps on Giving (to Scammers)

Gift cards are a popular holiday gift, but they’re also a favourite tool for scammers. If you receive a message from a “friend” or a company asking you to buy gift cards and send them the codes, chances are you’re being scammed. Scammers love gift cards because they’re quick, untraceable, and nearly impossible to reverse.

How to avoid it:

• If someone asks you for gift card numbers, it’s almost certainly a scam.
• Always confirm with the person directly through another communication method (like calling them) before buying gift cards.
• Be wary of high-pressure requests, especially those that create a sense of urgency.

In Conclusion...

The holidays are about joy, family, and making memories—not about dealing with the aftermath of a cyber attack. By staying aware of these risks and taking some simple steps to protect your online activity, you can keep your personal information safe while enjoying everything the season has to offer.

So, as you head off on your holiday shopping spree, share festive moments online, or make plans with friends and family, remember: cybersecurity doesn’t take a holiday. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be well on your way to a happy, safe, and secure festive season!

Happy Holidays!