As we gather around tables and screens for Thanksgiving, sharing family recipes, memories, and all the latest tech, it’s a time to reflect on more than just what we’re grateful for. With Black Friday sales ramping up and increased online shopping activity, Thanksgiving also brings some extra cybersecurity risks. Cybercriminals know many of us are busy, distracted, and online. Just as you’re thinking about safely storing your leftovers, consider ways to keep your data and devices just as secure.
In this Thanksgiving-themed blog, we’ll talk about three practical tips to ensure your business and personal data stay secure amid the holiday season hustle. Let’s dive in!
1. Avoid Phishing Scams: Don’t Get “Turkey’d” by Cybercriminals
Around Thanksgiving, phishing scams are almost as common as pumpkin pie. Many cybercriminals launch targeted phishing attacks designed to mimic Thanksgiving-themed promotions, exclusive holiday deals, or donation requests.
Phishing scams can lead to dangerous data breaches that compromise everything from passwords to financial information. According to Verizon’s 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report, phishing is involved in over 80% of social engineering incidents [https://www.verizon.com/business/resources/reports/dbir/]. The increased volume of promotional emails around the holidays provides cover for these scams, making it harder to spot malicious messages.
Tips to Stay Protected:
- Be cautious with any emails from unknown senders, especially if they offer “exclusive deals” or pressure you to act quickly.
- Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments in unsolicited emails. When in doubt, hover over links to see the URL before clicking.
- Encourage your team to be vigilant and consider hosting a refresher on phishing awareness during this season.
2. Secure Your Online Shopping: Protect Your “Gravy Train” of Personal and Financial Information
Black Friday and Cyber Monday often lead to a huge spike in online shopping traffic, with eager customers looking to snag a bargain. Unfortunately, this also attracts cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities in online shopping systems. According to the FBI, e-commerce fraud losses exceeded $337 million in 2021 [https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyber]—a figure that continues to grow each year.
Whether shopping for your business or personal needs, use these strategies to keep your information safe.
Tips to Stay Protected:
- Use strong, unique passwords for all shopping and financial accounts, or consider a reputable password manager.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible, adding an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Be wary of using public Wi-Fi for online shopping. If you must shop on the go, consider using a VPN to secure your connection.
3. Be Wary of Seasonal Employees and Insider Risks: Don’t Let Your Security “Crumble”
The holiday season often calls for additional support, which can mean bringing on temporary employees, contractors, or even volunteers. With limited onboarding time, these temporary team members may not receive the full training they need to safely navigate your systems. Insider threats, both accidental and malicious, are a significant risk factor—accounting for approximately 22% of all security incidents, according to the Ponemon Institute [https://www.ponemon.org/].
Tips to Stay Protected:
- Provide basic cybersecurity training for all seasonal or temporary employees. Ensure they understand security protocols, particularly if they’ll be accessing sensitive information.
- Limit access to only the systems and data necessary for their roles. Granting excessive access increases the risk of accidental breaches.
- Implement monitoring and logging to keep track of who accesses what data and when, creating an additional layer of accountability.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget to Back Up Your Data—Think of It as Securing Your “Leftovers”
Just as you wouldn’t leave Thanksgiving leftovers out to spoil, don’t neglect the importance of regular data backups. Many cyber incidents can corrupt, delete, or make your data inaccessible. By keeping regular backups, you ensure you always have access to your critical information, even in the event of an attack. Automated backup systems offer a simple, reliable way to protect your data.
Tips for Effective Data Backups:
- Set up automatic backups to occur regularly, especially during high-risk periods like the holiday season.
- Store backups in a secure location, ideally separate from your main network or device to prevent them from being affected by malware.
- Test your backups periodically to ensure they work as expected and that you can restore data if needed.
Final Thoughts: Staying Thankful and Secure
As you reflect on what you’re thankful for this season, take a moment to consider the value of your data and cybersecurity. Implementing these strategies—staying vigilant about phishing, protecting your online transactions, managing insider risks, and backing up your data—can keep your data safe while you enjoy the holiday.
Call to Action: Need a comprehensive cybersecurity solution to protect your business through the holiday season and beyond? T.RX Defense can help. From 24/7 monitoring and threat detection to robust incident response, our team is ready to help you Prepare, Protect, and Prevail. Visit T.RX Defense Services or contact us for more information on how we can safeguard your data all year round.