Top 5 Cyber Security Christmas Scams (and How to Avoid Them)

Introduction 

The holiday season brings joy and celebration but also increases the risk of cyber scams. Cybercriminals exploit this festive period to target individuals and organisations. This guide outlines the top 5 cyber security Christmas scams and provides strategies to protect your organisation.

Fake Delivery Emails

The excitement of receiving holiday packages often overshadows the potential dangers in our inboxes. Cybercriminals exploit this by sending convincing fake delivery emails with logos and tracking details. Clicking on malicious links or downloading attachments can lead to malware installation or the disclosure of sensitive information.

Fake delivery emails often use urgency tactics, claiming delayed shipment or delivery issues. Always verify information through official channels before acting.

How to Avoid Fake Delivery Email Scams

• Verify Sender: Scrutinise the sender’s email address for authenticity. Legitimate delivery notifications typically come from well-known carriers; any deviation should raise suspicion
• Track Shipments Directly: Use official tracking websites provided by the shipping company instead of relying on email links
• Educate Employees: Raise awareness within your organisation about the risks associated with fake delivery emails and encourage prompt reporting of any suspicious correspondence

Christmas eCards

While sending and receiving eCards is a popular holiday tradition, cybercriminals exploit this by embedding malware in seemingly innocent digital greetings. These malicious eCards can compromise personal and business networks, leading to data breaches or ransomware attacks. Cybercriminals may use personalised information to create a sense of familiarity.

How to Avoid Christmas eCard Scams

• Be Skeptical: Exercise caution when receiving eCards from unknown senders. Verify the legitimacy of the sender before opening the card
• Use Security Software: Ensure that your organisation’s antivirus and anti-malware software are up to date to detect and block potential threats
• Employee Training: Train staff to recognise the signs of phishing scams in eCards, such as unexpected senders or suspicious-looking links

Too Good to Be True Seasonal Offers

The holiday shopping frenzy, known for creating a perfect storm, becomes an ideal playground for cyber criminals to orchestrate Christmas shopping scams, enticing victims with unbelievable offers. These deceptive tactics often involve remarkably low prices on popular items or exclusive deals, luring individuals into willingly providing personal or financial information.

To stay a step ahead, be cautious of potential Christmas shopping scams on social media platforms. It’s crucial to cross-verify any deals found on social media with the official website before making any purchases. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from the pitfalls of festive online shopping.

How to Avoid Christmas Shopping Scams

• Research Retailers: Investigate the credibility of online stores before making a purchase. Check for reviews and ensure the website has secure payment options
• Use Credit, Not Debit: Opt for credit cards instead of debit cards when shopping online, as credit cards offer additional layers of fraud protection
• Beware of Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure individuals into making impulsive decisions. Take your time and think before providing any personal information

Gift Card Survey Scams

Gift cards are a popular choice during the Christmas season, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. Scammers often send emails or messages asking individuals to participate in surveys in exchange for a free gift card. The real objective is to harvest personal information.

Remain cautious with surveys offering incentives. Legitimate organisations rarely ask for personal information in exchange for a gift card. Treat any such requests with suspicion.

How to Avoid Gift Card Survey Scams

• Verify Requests: Exercise caution with unsolicited survey requests, especially those promising a reward. Verify the legitimacy of the request with the supposed sender
• Check URLs: Hover over any links in survey emails to preview the URL. If it looks suspicious, do not click on it
• Employee Training: Ensure that employees know the risks associated with gift card survey scams and emphasise the importance of reporting any suspicious activity

Charity Phishing Scam

The holiday season encourages generosity, which cybercriminals exploit by creating fake charity websites or sending phishing emails pretending to represent well-known charitable organisations. Individuals may unknowingly provide sensitive information or make donations that end up with scammers rather than supporting a worthy cause.

How to Avoid Charity Phishing Scams

• Verify Charity Authenticity: Before making any donations, verify the legitimacy of the charity through official websites or trusted sources
• Use Secure Payment Methods: When making online donations, use secure payment methods to protect your financial information
• Raise Awareness: Educate employees about the prevalence of charity phishing scams and encourage them to verify the legitimacy of any charitable requests they receive

How to Avoid Scams

During the Christmas season, it is crucial to enhance your awareness and fortify your cyber defences. Protecting your online presence involves several proactive steps. Consider the following top Christmas scam security tips:

Exercise Caution with Links and Attachments  

Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources. These could be cyber traps designed to compromise your data or introduce malware. Cybercriminals often disguise malicious links in holiday-themed emails. Stay vigilant and only interact with trusted sources.

Verify Website Security  

Ensure that websites are secure before providing any personal or financial information. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This ensures your data is encrypted and protected. Be particularly cautious when entering payment details on online shopping websites. Confirm the legitimacy of the site to avoid falling victim to fake e-commerce platforms.

Mind the Details in Email Addresses  

Pay close attention to the spelling and authenticity of email addresses. Cybercriminals often use slight variations to trick recipients. Scrutinise email addresses, and when in doubt, verify the sender’s legitimacy through other means.

Beware of Poor Grammar and Formatting  

Ignore and delete emails with poor grammar and formatting. Cybercriminals often rush their phishing attempts, resulting in sloppy writing. Legitimate organisations maintain professionalism in their communications. Trust your instincts when something seems off.

Handle Urgent Emails with Caution 

If an email adopts a threatening or overly urgent tone, resist the impulse to respond immediately. Cybercriminals use urgency to pressure victims into hasty actions. Verify the legitimacy of the message through other channels before taking any action.

Enable Email Spam Filters 

Enable a spam filter on your email account to filter out potentially malicious emails and reduce the risk of phishing attempts. Some advanced phishing attempts may still evade standard spam filters, so always exercise caution.

Regularly Back Up Your Data 

Implement a regular backup routine to protect your valuable data. In the event of a cyberattack or data loss, having a recent backup ensures you can recover your information. Use both local and cloud-based backup solutions for comprehensive protection. Test your backup systems periodically to ensure their effectiveness.

Install Up to Date Anti-Virus Software  

Equip your devices with the latest antivirus software to detect and neutralise potential threats. Regular updates ensure your defence mechanisms can handle evolving cyber threats. Schedule automatic updates for continuous protection.

Utilise Strong Passwords 

Use robust passwords, at least 12 characters long, especially for email and social media accounts. A complex password makes it significantly more challenging for cybercriminals to gain unauthorised access. Consider using a passphrase, combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Regularly update passwords and avoid using easily guessable information.

Conclusion 

The holiday season brings unique cyber security challenges. Increased online shopping, festive communications, and charitable donations create opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities. Cyber security is complex, but with the right knowledge and proactive measures, you can protect your organisation and personal information from Christmas scams.

By staying vigilant and implementing the recommended practices, you can protect against phishing scams, malware, and other cyber threats. Educating employees, verifying the authenticity of communications, and using robust security tools are essential steps in maintaining a secure environment.

Following these recommendations will help ensure a secure and worry-free Christmas season. While the intricacies of cyber security may seem daunting, we simplify the process, enabling you to focus on what truly matters during the holidays.