Different Types of Cyber ​​Threats and How to Protect Yourself this Festive Season

As we move into the holiday season and the New Year, it’s important to stay cyber-aware. It’s especially important for senior citizens who may not be as tech-savvy as younger generations. Here are the top 10 cyber awareness points everyone should keep in mind to protect themselves from online fraud, scams, and phishing attempts.

Top 10 cyber awareness points which can save you during this Holiday Season

1. Keep Your Software Up to Date

Make sure all your operating systems, applications, browsers, and plugins are always up to date. This will help ensure your devices are secure and can identify any new threats. 

In this digital world, it’s important to make sure all of your software is up to date so it’s secure from the latest cyber threats. It’s important to install the necessary security updates and patches for all the programs on your computer or smartphone.

2. Use Anti-Virus Protection & Firewall

Anti-virus protection and a firewall are essential for protecting your devices from cyber-attacks, viruses, and other malicious software. A firewall acts as a barrier of protection between you and the internet, while anti-virus protection helps detect and eliminate malicious code and software.

3. Never Share Personal Details

Always be aware of who you are giving your personal information to, never share your passwords, and never click on suspicious links. In addition, always be sure to log out of websites when you’re done using them.

4. Use Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an extra layer of security used to verify your identity when you log into accounts. It requires you to enter two different pieces of information, such as a password and a code sent to your phone, in order to gain access.

5. Learn About Phishing Scams

Be very suspicious of emails, phone calls, and flyers promising unbelievable offers, huge discounts, or special offers for the holidays or the new year. Be aware that phishing scams can be disguised as legitimate offers from trusted companies or organizations.

6. Protect Your Sensitive Personal Identifiable Information

Make sure you don’t share any sensitive personal identifiable information online, such as your social security number, credit card information, or bank account information.

7. Use Your Mobile Devices Securely

Make sure your mobile devices are set up to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication. Additionally, avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks and install a good anti-virus program on your phone or tablet. When using your mobile device, be sure to turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other wireless connections when you’re not using them. Additionally, be sure to install the latest security updates for your mobile device.

8. Backup Your Data Regularly

Make sure you are regularly backing up the data on your devices. This will help protect your data in case of a virus, hardware failure, or theft. Backing up your data regularly is a good way to protect your data from cyber-attacks. By having a backup, you can restore your data in the event of an attack or other problem.

9. Do Not Use Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure and can be vulnerable to hacking. Avoid using them if possible. Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure, so it’s important to avoid using them if possible. If you need to connect to a public Wi-Fi network, make sure your device is connected to a secure, encrypted network.

10. Review Your Online Accounts & Credit Reports Regularly for Changes

Make sure you regularly review your online accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity. This will help you identify any potential fraud or identity theft. It’s important to review your online accounts and credit reports regularly for any suspicious activity or changes. This can help you spot any potential cyber-attacks or identity theft attempts.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to be mindful of your online activities and take the necessary steps to protect yourself from online fraud and cyber-attacks. Keep these top 10 cyber awareness points in mind and stay safe this holiday season and beyond. Don’t become a victim of online fraud; be a savvy consumer and stay cyber-aware!