Holidays are a time for joy, connection, and celebration. We share photos, send greetings, and shop online for gifts. However, this increased online activity can also expose us to cybersecurity threats. This article equips you with the knowledge to stay safe online and protect your identity, not just on Mother's Day but throughout the year.

• Increased Online Activity: More people shop, bank, and communicate online during holidays, increasing the potential pool of victims.
• Emotional Manipulation: Scammers exploit the spirit of giving and the desire for good deals with phishing emails and fake websites mimicking legitimate retailers.
• Urgency and Scarcity Tactics: Phishing emails often create a sense of urgency ("Limited-time offer!") or scarcity ("Only a few left!") to pressure victims into clicking malicious links or sharing personal information.
• Preying on Inattention: The excitement of the holiday season can lead to people being less vigilant when browsing online or opening emails.

Common Cyberattacks During Holidays

Here are some of the most common cyberattacks to be aware of during holidays:

• Phishing Emails: These emails appear to be from legitimate sources like banks, retailers, or even friends and family. They often contain malicious links or attachments that can steal your personal information or infect your device with malware.
• Smishing: Similar to phishing emails, smishing involves fraudulent text messages designed to trick you into clicking a link or sharing personal information.
• Fake Websites: Cybercriminals create websites that closely resemble those of popular retailers. Once you enter your credit card details, they steal your information.
• Social Media Scams: Scammers may create fake profiles or hijack existing ones to spread misinformation, post malicious links, or trick you into revealing personal information.

Safeguarding Your Identity: Essential Cybersecurity Practices

Here are some key steps you can take to protect yourself online:

• Be Wary of Unsolicited Emails and Text Messages: Never click on links or attachments in emails or texts from unknown senders, even if they appear to be from legitimate sources.
• Verify Sender Information: Before clicking on a link in an email, hover your mouse over the link to see the actual destination URL. If it looks suspicious, don't click it.
• Shop from Reputable Websites: Only shop from websites you know and trust. Look for the padlock symbol in the address bar and the "https://" prefix, indicating a secure connection.
• Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and enable MFA whenever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification code when logging in.
• Beware of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid using public Wi-Fi for online banking or accessing sensitive information. If you must use it, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
• Software Updates: Always keep your operating system, web browser, and security software up to date. Updates often include critical security patches.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly monitor your bank statements and credit card reports for any suspicious activity.

Protecting Your Loved Ones: Spreading Cybersecurity Awareness

The gift of online safety is invaluable. Here are ways to spread cybersecurity awareness among your loved ones, especially during holidays:

• Start Conversations: Talk to your family and friends about cybersecurity threats and how to stay safe online. Share tips and resources.
• Help Them Set Up Strong Passwords: Assist them in creating strong, unique passwords for their online accounts and guide them on enabling MFA.
• Be Wary of Sharing Personal Information Online: Encourage responsible online behavior, especially when sharing personal information on social media.
• Teach Them How to Spot Phishing Attempts: Help them identify the red flags of phishing emails and smishing attempts.

Beyond Holidays: Building a Culture of Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is not just a seasonal concern. Here are ways to integrate these practices into your daily life:

• Be Mindful of What You Share Online: Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media.
• Think Before You Click: Always take a moment to assess the legitimacy of emails, messages, and online offers before clicking on links.
• Regular Backups: Back up your important data regularly to protect yourself from ransomware attacks or accidental data loss.
• Stay Informed: Subscribe to cybersecurity resources or blogs to keep yourself updated on the latest threats and best practices.

Awareness should create action!