Cyber Security Tips for this Holiday Season

The holiday seasons is almost upon us but that doesn’t mean everyone is in the festive mood. Cyber criminals don’t slow down. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while shopping for the holiday.

Don’t open suspicious emails, attachments, or click on suspicious links from unknown sources.

You’ve won a contest that you never participated in? Your payment was declined but you never ordered from that site? These are some email subject lines that scammers will use to get you to click a suspicious link. Don’t open an email from someone you don’t know. If there is a link to click, check the URL first.

• Check for HTTPS – The ‘S’ stands for secure.
• Hover the mouse over link.
• Make sure the URL is spelled correctly.
• Use a website safety checker like Google Safe Browsing.
• Look for a privacy policy when you are on a website.

Website Check — How to Check Website Safety | AVG | AVG
Holiday Cybersecurity Tips | NCDIT

Always use strong passwords.

The more diverse your passwords are, the harder it will be for someone to hack into your accounts. You should never reuse passwords or make them very simple. Use two-factor authentication on websites if its available. If it is not available, you can use secure password managers or use a passphrase that consists of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Avoid using public Wi-Fi.

It might be convenient to hop onto a public wi-fi while you are out shopping but you will be opening yourself up to danger. When you are on a public wi-fi, malware or viruses can be forcibly installed on your device. Once its installed criminals will be able to monitor your activity. It you type in a password or credit card information; they will be able to see it too. They don’t always lurk in the background though. Some hackers have been able to hijack smartphones by sending fake system updates alerts. 

Risks of Using Public Wi-Fi Networks for Businesses (wgu.edu)
How To Safely Use Public Wi-Fi Networks | Consumer Advice (ftc.gov)
Public Wi-Fi: What are the risks? + how to stay safe – Norton
Holiday Online Shopping Safety from CISA | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)

Shop with retailers you know.

When looking for the right gifts, you might come upon an unfamiliar website or vendor. To avoid falling for scams, research the company before you submit a purchase. Look over the reviews. If the seller has no or low reviews, be careful about buying from them.

Holiday Season Cybersecurity Scams and How to Avoid Them | Infosec Resources (infosecinstitute.com)
5 Most Dangerous Holiday Cyber Scams (Forta’s TerraNova Security)
Holiday Scams — FBI

At Fidelity Bank, it is our goal to always serve as your trusted financial advisor. Remember that a Banker will NEVER call you asking for sensitive information like your social security number, account number, or the like. When in doubt, you can call our Client Care Center at 1-800-388-4380.

Fidelity Bank has multiple local branch offices throughout Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, and our full-service Client Care Center is at your service. Call or visit your local branch office today.