{"id":71022,"date":"2023-12-09T17:45:36","date_gmt":"2023-12-09T22:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/world.edu\/?p=71022"},"modified":"2023-12-09T17:45:36","modified_gmt":"2023-12-09T22:45:36","slug":"how-to-protect-yourself-from-cyber-scammers-over-the-festive-period","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/world.edu\/how-to-protect-yourself-from-cyber-scammers-over-the-festive-period\/","title":{"rendered":"How to protect yourself from cyber-scammers over the festive period"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The festive season is a time for joy, family and festive cheer. However, it\u2019s also a prime target for cybercriminals. As online shopping ramps up, so does the risk of falling prey to cyber-attacks. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial to be extra vigilant about your\u00a0cybersecurity<\/a>\u00a0during this time.<\/p>\n

Here are some essential tips to safeguard yourself and your data during the festive period:<\/p>\n

Phishing<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Phishing is when criminals use scam emails, text messages or phone calls to trick their victims. Their\u00a0goal<\/a>\u00a0is often to make you visit a certain website, which may download a virus on to your computer, or steal bank details or other personal data.<\/p>\n

This type of scam tends to\u00a0increase<\/a>\u00a0at this time due to the amount of people having bought or received new gadgets and technology.<\/p>\n

Look out for there being no direct reference to your name in any communications, with wording such as \u201cDear Sir\/Madam\u201d or other terms such as \u201cvalued customer\u201d being used instead. Grammar and spelling mistakes are also often present.<\/p>\n

Be wary of any suspicious links or attachments within emails too, and don\u2019t click them. It\u2019s better to contact the company directly to check if the message is genuine. You can also\u00a0report<\/a>\u00a0suspicious messages and phishing scams to the government\u2019s National Cyber Security Centre.<\/p>\n

Shopping safely online<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The convenience of online shopping is undeniable, especially during the festive season. However, it\u2019s crucial to prioritise your security when buying online.<\/p>\n

Before entering your personal and financial information on any website, ensure it\u2019s legitimate and secure. Look for the \u201chttps\u201d in the address bar and a\u00a0padlock<\/a>\u00a0icon, which indicates a secure and encrypted connection.<\/p>\n

When creating passwords for online shopping accounts, use strong, unique combinations of letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, as a breach on one site could compromise all your others.<\/p>\n

As with shopping in the real world, be cautious when encountering offers that are significantly below usual prices or which make extravagant promises. Always conduct thorough research on the seller and product before making a purchase. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.<\/p>\n

And if you are out shopping in towns or city centres, there will often be a large number of public wifi options available to you. However, criminals can intercept the data that is transferred across such open and unsecured wifi. So, avoid using public wifi where possible, especially when conducting any financial transactions.<\/p>\n

Social media<\/strong><\/h4>\n

While social media platforms provide people with a means to keep in touch with family and friends over the festive period, they are often a goldmine for\u00a0scams<\/a>\u00a0and malware (software designed to disrupt, damage or gain unauthorised access to a computer). In the spirit of the festive season, people often share an abundance of personal information on social media, often without considering the potential consequences.<\/p>\n

This trove of data can make people vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Scammers can exploit this information to gain unauthorised access to social media accounts, steal personal information, or even commit identity theft. To protect yourself, be mindful of what you share.<\/p>\n

Be wary when interacting with posts and direct messages, especially if they contain suspicious links or attachments. Before clicking on anything, hover over the link to verify its destination. If it shows a website you don\u2019t recognise or seems unrelated to the message, do not click on it. If you receive a message from someone you know but the content seems strange or out of character, contact them directly through a trusted channel to verify its authenticity.<\/p>\n

Likewise, be wary of messages containing urgent requests for money or personal information from businesses. Genuine organisations will never solicit sensitive details through social media.<\/p>\n

There are many buy and sell platforms available on social media. But while such platforms can be a great place to find a unique gift, it is also important to remember that not all sellers may be legitimate. So, it\u2019s vital that you don\u2019t share your bank details. If the seller sends a link to purchase the item, do not use it. When meeting to collect an item, it\u2019s generally safer to use cash rather than transferring funds electronically.
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