The holiday season, from Black Friday through New Year’s Day, is a time for celebration, gift-giving, and online shopping. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime time for cybercriminals. Scammers and hackers take advantage of the holiday rush to target unsuspecting shoppers and retailers with a variety of online threats. Here’s what you need to know to shop safely and protect yourself.
Fake Shopping Websites – Cybercriminals set up convincing fake websites mimicking popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart and IKEA. These sites are designed to steal your payment information or trick you into purchasing items that never arrive. Be cautious if a website seems too good to be true or has strange URLs like “paypa1.com” instead of “paypal.com.”
Phishing Scams – Holiday-themed phishing emails and texts are on the rise. Scammers often use fake shipping updates or irresistible sales offers to lure you into sharing personal or financial details. Always verify the source of these messages before clicking any links.
Payment Gateway Fraud – Fraudulent payment forms impersonate trusted platforms like PayPal or Stripe. Scammers use these fake forms to capture your credit card details. Before entering payment information, check the URL to ensure it matches the official site.
Password Attacks – With so many shoppers creating new accounts for holiday deals, hackers ramp up credential-stuffing attacks, attempting to exploit reused or weak passwords. If you’re guilty of reusing passwords, now is the time to stop.
Shipping Scams – Fake delivery notifications about “issues” with your package are common this time of year. Scammers use these alerts to trick you into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive data.
How You Can Stay Protected
- Double-Check Websites – Only shop on trusted websites. Look for secure HTTPS connections and review URLs closely to avoid typo-squatted domains like “amaz0n.com.”
- Strengthen Your Passwords – Use unique, strong passwords for each account. Consider a password manager to help you stay secure without forgetting your credentials.
- Be Cautious with Links – Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts. Instead, navigate directly to the retailer’s website to verify deals or track shipments.
- Keep an Eye on Your Bank Statements – Regularly review your accounts for unauthorized transactions. Early detection can minimize damage from fraud.
- Update Your Devices – Make sure your devices and browsers are updated with the latest security patches to reduce vulnerabilities.
The Bottom Line: Stay Vigilant!
The holiday season should be a time of joy, not worry. By staying alert, practicing good cyber hygiene, and sharing these tips with your colleagues and loved ones, you can enjoy a safer shopping experience. Remember, cybersecurity isn’t just for the workplace —it’s for everyone, everywhere.
Thank you for your role in keeping Republic Services cyber safe!