Beware of wet bandits
PHISHING ATTEMPTS ARE FLOODING YOUR DEVICES THIS TIME OF YEAR
You’ve received dozens of emails & text messages with your favorite stores’ best deals and discounts. But don’t let your guard down. Never click a link in an email or text you weren’t expecting. Instead, open a web browser and type in the site URL yourself.
"Credit card? You got it."
monitor your accounts closely
The rise in online shopping creates more opportunities for cyber criminals to swipe your credit card info. Keep a close eye on those statements so you can detect a compromised account before they spend $967 on room service!
"It's scary out there."
WATCH OUT FOR SHADY WEBSITES
URLs can easily be spoofed, so while they may claim to be the Plaza, they might actually be a sketchy motel. Here’s a tip: If the website starts with http: instead of https:, the site is not secure.
"I'm reading through all your private stuff!"
NEVER USE PUBLIC WIFI
We’re never fans of using public wifi, but *especially* not if you’re making purchases or submitting any kind of sensitive personal data.
"I'd like a hotel room, please."
BEWARE OF SCAM CALLS
Whether through impersonation tactics or spoofed phone numbers, phone calls remain a common avenue for social engineering. If someone calls you claiming to be an organization you trust, but it’s unusual, be skeptical. If you think it may be legitimate, you can always tell them you’ll call back at the number listed on their website.
"My family's in Florida. I'm in New York."
REROUTE YOUR ONLINE FOOTPRINT WITH A VPN
A virtual private network is a great tool that creates a secure connection between a device and network by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address with physical location.
"I can't tell you that...cuz you're a stranger."
Keep pii private
Kevin had the right idea deciding not to share where he lives with the grocery store clerk. It’s never a good idea to share real names, account numbers, addresses, or other info with strangers online or IRL.
"...watching rubbish! You better come out and stop me!"
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR KIDS' ONLINE ACTIVITY
Kids these days are incredibly savvy with devices, but there’s a lot they don’t yet know about social engineering, so they can quickly find themselves on a sketchy site, video, or application because of one accidental click. Don’t let them browse unsupervised.
"This is MY house. I have to defend it."
TALK TO YOUR FAMILY ABOUT SAFE INTERNET USE
Make sure to share these cyber security tips and establish your own household rules so you can stay safe online and have a merry Christmas, ya filthy animal.