Stay Secure This Holiday Season: Cyber Threats and Phishing on the Rise

The holiday season is almost upon us, and while it’s a time for celebration, it’s also a peak period for cyber criminals looking to exploit the rush and distractions. At Absolute Networks, we want to ensure that our valued clients are aware of the heightened risks during this busy time and equipped with the tools and mindset to stay protected.

Cyber attackers often capitalise on increased online activity, including shopping, travel bookings and a surge in email communications. This environment creates the perfect opportunity for phishing scams, malware and other malicious attacks to thrive.

Here’s what you need to know and do to safeguard yourself and your organisation this holiday season.

Common Holiday Cyber Threats

1. Phishing Emails: Cyber criminals pose as trusted entities, such as online retailers, delivery services or financial institutions, to trick recipients into sharing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.
2. Malicious Links and Attachments: Emails or texts promising holiday deals, gift cards or exclusive offers may lead to malware downloads.
3. Social Engineering Scams: Attackers prey on human emotions, such as urgency or generosity, to manipulate individuals into sharing personal or corporate information.
4. Compromised Accounts: Weak passwords or reused credentials can expose accounts to unauthorised access, leading to data breaches and fraud.

Tips to Stay Protected

Here are actionable tips to keep your team and organisation secure this season:

1. Think Before You Click: Verify links and attachments before clicking, especially from unknown or unexpected senders. Hover over links to check their actual destination. If it looks suspicious, don’t click.
2. Beware of Urgent Requests: Cyber criminals use urgency to bypass your judgement. Take a moment to verify any unexpected requests for sensitive information or money transfers.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Ensure all accounts have strong, unique passwords. Consider using a password manager to keep track of credentials securely.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification when logging into accounts.
5. Verify Emails and Requests: If you receive an email about a delivery, holiday deal or financial transaction, double-check the sender’s email address and legitimacy. If unsure, contact the company or individual directly through trusted channels.
6. Educate Your Team: Conduct a quick refresher on phishing awareness and common red flags. Encourage employees to report suspicious emails or activity immediately.
7. Update Devices and Systems: Ensure that all software, operating systems and antivirus programs are updated with the latest patches to protect against vulnerabilities.
8. Shop Securely: Only purchase from reputable websites with secure payment methods (look for “https” and padlock icons in the browser).

Stay Vigilant with Absolute Networks

At Absolute Networks, we know that security is essential, especially during the holiday season when distractions are high and cyber threats are prevalent. By remaining vigilant and implementing these simple steps, you can protect both your personal and organisational data from falling into the wrong hands.

If you would like further guidance or training for your team on phishing awareness and cyber security best practices, we’re here to help.

Let’s keep the holidays safe, secure, and scam-free.

From all of us at Absolute Networks, have a secure and happy holiday season!

Need Expert Cyber Security Support?

Contact Absolute Networks to learn more about our tailored IT security solutions to keep your business safe year-round. Call us on 01332 291992 or email [email protected]

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