Maintaining cybersecurity during the holiday season is important, especially as more people shop online and connect with loved ones through digital means. Here are some ideas to help you prioritize cybersecurity while still keeping the holiday spirit:
Secure Your Devices: Ensure that all of your electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets and computers, have the latest security updates and antivirus software installed. Set strong, unique passwords for your devices and enable biometric or two-factor authentication where possible.
Use Secure Wi-Fi Connections: Avoid public Wi-Fi networks while conducting sensitive transactions or accessing personal information. Use a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.
Shop Safely Online: Shop only from reputable websites and use secure payment methods, such as credit cards or payment services like PayPal. Look for the padlock symbol in the browser’s address bar, which indicates a secure connection.
Beware of Phishing Scams: Be cautious of email and text messages claiming to be from shipping companies or retailers. Verify their legitimacy by contacting the company directly or visiting their official website.
Educate Family, Friends & Colleagues: Share cybersecurity tips and best practices with others. Help them understand the risks of online interactions, especially during the holiday season.
Encrypt Communication: Use end-to-end encrypted messaging apps for sensitive conversations. Popular options include WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram.
Data Backup: Regularly back up your important data to an external hard drive or a secure cloud service. This will help in case of a cyberattack or device failure.
Secure Your Home Network: Change default router passwords and use strong, unique combinations of letters, numbers and symbols. Set up a guest network for visitors to keep your primary network more secure.
Monitor Your Financial Statements: Regularly check you bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions, especially during the busy holiday shopping season.
E-cards & Attachments: Be cautions when opening e-cards and email attachments as they could contain malware*. Only open attachments from trusted sources.
Smart Home & Office Security: If you have smart home and office devices, make sure to secure them by regularly updating their firmware and using strong, unique passwords containing a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.
Travel Security: When traveling, be cautious about using public charging stations as they can potentially expose your device to malware or data theft. Use your charger or portable power bank instead.
Create a Cybersecurity Plan: Establish a cybersecurity plan for your family and your business. Ensure everyone is aware of the potential risks and knows what to do in the event of a cyber incident.
By following these simple tips, you can help maintain a secure online presence during the holiday season (and beyond) and protect yourself, loved ones, team members and your private information from cyber threats. Remember that staying vigilant and informed is key to staying safe in the digital world.
*Malware, short for “Malicious Software,” is a broad term used to describe any type of software or code specifically designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems, networks, or devices. Malware is created and used by cybercriminals with malicious intent. There are various types of malware including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, adware…to name only a few.
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*Southland Data Processing, Inc. (“SDP”) is not a law firm. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in reaching a conclusion in a particular area of law. Applicability of the legal principles discussed may differ substantially in individual situations. Receipt of this or any other SDP materials does not create an attorney-client relationship. SDP is not responsible for any inadvertent errors that may occur in the publishing process.