The holiday season is all about joy, family, and festivities—but it’s also a time when cybercriminals are hard at work. With so many people shopping online, receiving gift emails, and unwrapping the latest tech gadgets, the risks of falling victim to cyberattacks increase significantly. To help you stay safe, we’ve compiled a "naughty list" of the top cyber threats to watch out for this Christmas and how to avoid them.

COMMON HOLIDAY SCAMS AND HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

1. Phishing Emails Disguised as Holiday Deals

Cybercriminals know we all love a good Christmas bargain. Be wary of emails or messages offering unbelievable discounts, free gifts, or urgent promotions. These could lead you to fake websites designed to steal your personal and financial information.

Stay Safe Tip: Verify the sender’s email address and only shop through trusted websites. Look for “https” in the URL and avoid clicking on suspicious links. 

2. Fake Charity Scams

‘Tis the season of giving, and scammers exploit this generosity by creating fake charity websites or sending pleas for donations.

Stay Safe Tip: Research charities through reputable platforms or donate directly via their official websites. Avoid making payments via links in unsolicited messages.

3. Malware in E-Greeting Cards 

Digital greeting cards are a festive way to spread cheer, but malicious actors use them to hide malware that can infect your devices.

Stay Safe Tip: Open e-cards only from trusted sources and ensure your device has updated antivirus protection.

4. Social Media Gift Card Scams

Seen a post offering free or discounted gift cards? Be cautious! Many of these are traps to steal personal information or payment details.

Stay Safe Tip: Treat too-good-to-be-true offers with suspicion. Stick to buying gift cards from official retailers.

5. Unsecured Public Wi-Fi

Holiday travels often mean connecting to public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, or coffee shops. These networks can be breeding grounds for hackers.

Stay Safe Tip: Avoid accessing sensitive accounts over public Wi-Fi. Use a VPN to secure your connection.

6. Tech Gift Security Flaws

Got a new smartphone, smart speaker, or other tech gift under the tree? Without proper setup, these devices could expose you to cyber risks.

Stay Safe Tip: Update devices with the latest software, use strong passwords, and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.

7. Delivery Scams

Expecting packages? Scammers send fake delivery notifications, often prompting you to click a link or pay bogus fees.

Stay Safe Tip: Check delivery status directly with the courier company through their official website or app. Don’t trust unsolicited messages.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit, staying vigilant against these cyber threats is crucial. Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated—small actions like verifying links, updating software, and being cautious online can go a long way. 

Let’s keep the holidays merry, bright, and safe from cybercriminals. From all of us at Forus-P, have a secure and joyful Christmas!