Cybersecurity during the holidays
The holiday season is a time of joy and sharing, but also a period of intense online shopping, with billions of transactions taking place daily. Unfortunately, it is also a favorite time for cybercriminals, ready to exploit distractions and vulnerabilities to scam both users and businesses. In this article, we’ll explore how to prevent online scams during holiday shopping and the best practices for protecting businesses during the festive period.
Consumer security: how to avoid scams during holiday shopping
Shopping for gifts online is convenient but comes with risks. Here are some precautions every consumer should take:
Beware of deals that seem too good to be true
If a product is suspiciously discounted compared to its average market price, it might be a scam. Always check the seller’s reputation and look for reliable reviews.
Shop only on secure websites
Ensure the website URL starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon. These indicators mean the site uses secure protocols to protect your data.
Avoid public Wi-Fi networks
Unprotected networks are a hotbed for cybercriminals. If you need to shop while on the go, use a mobile data connection or a VPN to encrypt sensitive information.
Watch out for phishing emails
During the holidays, there’s an uptick in fake emails mimicking communications from couriers, stores, or banks. Avoid clicking on suspicious links and always verify the authenticity of the sender.
Monitor your account activity
Regularly check your bank statements for any suspicious transactions and report them promptly to your bank if detected.
Business security: best practices to prevent attacks during the holidays
Businesses, especially those operating in e-commerce, are particularly vulnerable during the holiday season. The combination of high transaction volumes and employee distractions creates opportunities for cybercriminals. Here are some best practices to keep business data secure:
Strengthen defense systems
• Ensure that firewalls and antivirus software are up-to-date.
• Implement real-time monitoring systems to detect suspicious activity on your network.
Perform regular backups
Ransomware is a growing threat, and an attack can paralyze a business. Regularly back up your business data and store it securely, preferably on offline systems.
Train employees
Cybersecurity starts with people. Conduct training sessions to educate employees on recognizing and reporting phishing attempts or unauthorized access.
Implement two-factor authentication (2FA)
This simple yet effective measure adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for hackers to access business systems.
Secure payment processes
• Use certified payment gateways that comply with PCI-DSS standards.
• Monitor transactions for irregularities and deploy anti-fraud systems.
Prepare an incident response plan
No business is immune to attacks. A well-structured plan to respond quickly to an incident can minimize damage and speed up recovery.
