Stay cyber safe during the holidays. The season is a time for celebrations, gift-giving, and travel, but it's also a prime opportunity for cybercriminals looking to exploit the uptick in online shopping and digital activity. As people are distracted with holiday preparations, hackers ramp up their efforts to trick unsuspecting users with scams and phishing attacks.

From fake ads and lookalike websites to QR code scams and holiday charity frauds, staying vigilant can make all the difference in keeping your personal and financial information secure. In this blog, we'll explore some common holiday cyber threats and share practical tips to help you and your loved ones stay cyber-safe during the festive season.

1. Sponsored Ads and Social Media Scams
   Fake Ads: Cybercriminals pay for ads on social media platforms and search engines, promoting deals that don’t exist.
   Red Flags: Too-good-to-be-true offers, misspellings, or URLs that don’t match the brand.
   Tip: Always go directly to the retailer’s website by typing the address in the browser instead of clicking links.
    
2. Phony Websites and Lookalike Domains
   How it Works: Criminals create websites that closely resemble popular stores but exist only to steal payment information.
   Warning Signs: Slight variations in spelling (e.g., “Amaz0n” instead of “Amazon”), no secure lock icon (HTTPS) in the browser, and vague contact info.
   Tip: Use browser bookmarks for trusted sites and avoid unfamiliar stores without reviews.
    
3. Fake Delivery Notifications and Shipping Scams
   Attack Method: Scammers send fake delivery alerts by email or text (e.g., “Package delayed – click here to reschedule”). Clicking often leads to phishing sites.
   Tip: Track packages through official carrier websites, not through links in notifications.
   Extra: Some scams include malware-laden attachments disguised as invoices.
    
4. QR Code Scams
   Tactic: Criminals place fraudulent QR codes in stores, ads, or emails. Scanning the code can lead to phishing sites or malware downloads.
   Tip: Use the official app or website instead of scanning QR codes unless you’re certain they’re legitimate.
    
5. Holiday Charity and Gift Card Scams
   Charity Scams: Fraudsters create fake charities or spoof well-known ones to solicit donations.
   Gift Cards: Criminals request gift card payments as a form of fraud (e.g., “Pay your fine with gift cards”).
   Tip: Always verify charities through trusted resources like Charity Navigator.
    
6. Bogus Deals and Flash Sales
   Risk: Shoppers are lured by limited-time deals that pressure them into giving payment info quickly.
   Tip: If a deal seems suspicious, verify it directly with the retailer.
    
7. Protecting Against Phishing and Ransomware
   Increase in Attempts: Phishing attacks spike during the holidays, with emails disguised as sales, invoices, or account alerts.
   Tip: Be cautious with unsolicited messages and use multi-factor authentication (MFA) on accounts.
    
8. Advice for Staying Safe
   Use Payment Methods Wisely: Opt for credit cards or secure payment apps over debit cards to reduce financial risk.
   Update Software: Keep devices updated to protect against vulnerabilities.
   Educate Family and Friends: Share these tips with less tech-savvy relatives who are more vulnerable.
    
9. Holiday Travel Cybersecurity Risks
   Public Wi-Fi Threats: Hackers may set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots named after popular networks (e.g., “Airport Free Wi-Fi”) to steal login credentials.
   Tip: Avoid banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN for secure browsing.
   USB Charging Stations Risk: Cybercriminals can compromise public USB ports ("juice jacking") to install malware or steal data.
   Tip: Use your own charger and plug into power outlets directly.

Staying vigilant and informed can help you enjoy a safe and worry-free holiday season. By taking a few extra precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from cyber threats during this busy time of year.

For more guidance on cybersecurity or to learn how to safeguard your business year-round, Omni Strategic Technologies is here to help. Visit omniperforms.com or call 304-242-7600 to speak with one of our experts today.