During the holiday season, cybercrimes typically increase due to heightened online activity, more financial transactions, and a general sense of urgency. The most critical step in preventing a Phishing attack is cyber awareness training for your entire staff and management team. If you’re not sure where to start the conversation, here are some of the most common types of cybercrimes that are more likely to occur during the holidays:
Phishing Attacks
Why it’s common: With the rise of online shopping, travel bookings, and charitable giving during the holidays, cybercriminals often impersonate trusted brands. They use look alike domains in emails from online retailers, banks, or delivery services to trick victims into revealing personal or financial information.
How it works: Attackers send fraudulent emails, messages, or ads with links to fake websites that look like legitimate ones. They may also impersonate known delivery companies (like UPS or FedEx) to trick people into clicking on links related to “missed packages.”
Gift Card Scams
Why it’s common: Cybercriminals exploit the festive spirit of giving and the demand for gift cards.
How it works: Scammers trick victims into purchasing gift cards (Amazon, Apple, etc.) and sending the card details via email or phone. This often involves impersonating a relative, friend, or company executive.
Online Shopping Fraud
Why it’s common: During the holidays, many consumers are looking for discounts and deals, which makes them vulnerable to fake e-commerce sites or fraudulent ads offering too-good-to-be-true deals.
How it works: Fake websites or ads lead consumers to counterfeit or non-existent products, or steal payment information during the checkout process.
Malware and Ransomware Attacks
Why it’s common: With the increase in online transactions, businesses may have less time to update or patch their security systems, making them more vulnerable.
How it works: Malware is often delivered through malicious email attachments or downloads disguised as holiday offers, e-cards, or gift guides. Once installed, it can steal sensitive data, lock files (ransomware), or damage systems.
Social Media Scams
Why it’s common: The holidays are a time when people spend more time on social media, which makes it easier for cybercriminals to exploit this attention.
How it works: Scammers may post fake giveaways, contests, or holiday promotions that lure people into revealing their personal information or clicking on malicious links.
Account Takeovers (Credential Stuffing)
Why it’s common: With many consumers shopping online, attackers try to gain access to online accounts (like Amazon, Netflix, or banking accounts) by using stolen or leaked credentials.
How it works: Cybercriminals use automated bots to test large volumes of username and password combinations from previous data breaches, gaining access to accounts if users reuse passwords.
Charity Scams
Why it’s common: Many people are in a giving spirit during the holidays and are more likely to donate to charity, making them prime targets for scammers.
How it works: Fake charities or crowdfunding campaigns surface during the holidays, often using high-pressure tactics to urge donations quickly, sometimes even in the wake of natural disasters or other emergency events.
Fake Shipping Notifications and Delivery Scams
Why it’s common: With the surge in online shopping and shipping, consumers are flooded with delivery updates, making them more likely to fall for fake shipping alerts.
How it works: Cybercriminals send fake delivery notices (e.g., “Your package is delayed” or “Confirm your shipping info”), often including links that lead to phishing sites designed to steal personal information.
Mobile Payment Fraud
Why it’s common: More consumers are using mobile wallets or payment apps (like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or Venmo) for holiday shopping, and criminals see this as an opportunity to steal payment information.
How it works: Fraudsters might use malicious apps or websites designed to steal mobile payment credentials, or they may create fake payment portals to intercept mobile transactions.
Wi-Fi Spoofing
Why it’s common: People travel during the holidays and often use public Wi-Fi in places like coffee shops, airports, and hotels, where cybercriminals can set up rogue Wi-Fi networks to intercept data.
How it works: Attackers set up fake public Wi-Fi networks and, when unsuspecting victims connect, they steal their login credentials, payment details, and other sensitive information.
Tax Scams (End of Year)
Why it’s common: With tax season approaching in the new year, scammers target individuals and businesses regarding fraudulent tax filings or refunds.
How it works: Cybercriminals impersonate tax authorities (like the IRS) and threaten victims with legal action or fines unless they pay a supposed debt or disclose personal financial information.
Prevention Tips for Holiday Cybercrimes
The holiday season is a critical time to reinforce cyber awareness with your employees. It’s essential to remind them of company policies regarding the use of company computers, mobile devices, and online behavior. Share the latest scams circulating via email, text, voicemail, and social media, as cybercriminals are especially active during this time.
Most importantly, encourage employees to report any suspicious activity immediately. If they receive a strange email, text, or voicemail—or if they believe they clicked on a malicious link—make sure they understand the importance of notifying their manager or the IT team right away. Early detection can prevent a small issue from escalating into a serious security breach that could impact the entire company. Taking these simple precautions now can help ensure your business stays protected through the holiday season and beyond.
- Be Cautious with Emails and Links: Always verify suspicious emails, particularly those that urge immediate action or offer too-good-to-be-true deals.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on accounts, especially for banking, shopping, and social media.
- Monitor Bank and Credit Accounts: Keep an eye on credit card statements and bank transactions for signs of fraud.
- Shop on Trusted Websites: Only use reputable websites and check for “https” in the URL before entering payment details.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions: If you must use public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
- Educate Employees and Family: Help your team or loved ones recognize phishing attempts and online fraud tactics during the busy holiday season.
By staying alert and following best practices, you can help protect yourself, your business, and your employees from cybercrime risks during the holiday season.
Not Sure How to Implement a Cyber Awareness Program? Get Help Right Away
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