Heed festive season online safety tips
festive THE season is a time of joy and family gatherings.
UNFORTUNATELY, it is also a time of increased cyber threats. Amid the festivities, it is, therefore, crucial to remain vigilant.
Cybercriminals often take advantage of the increased online activity around this time of the year to target unsuspecting individuals with scams and attacks.
This article provides practical cybersecurity tips to help you enjoy a safe festive season.
Avoid posting your activities on social media in real time
In an age where sharing life’s moments on social media has become second nature, it is imperative to exercise caution, especially during the festive season.
Many individuals habitually offer real-time updates on platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook or X, unwittingly exposing themselves to potential risks.
This seemingly innocent practice can pose a significant danger, enabling criminals to track you.
The desire to share our experiences online often overshadows the potential risks associated with this practice. Criminals, ever more adept at exploiting online information, can create a detailed picture of your daily routine, including when your home is vacant.
This opens the door to physical threats such as break-ins or thefts, putting your safety at risk.
Consider a scenario where an individual excitedly posts updates about their vacation in real time.
While this seems harmless, the post discloses their absence from home and the specific locations they visit. Criminals can leverage on this data to plan a break-in during the owner’s absence.
Protective measures
◆ Delay your updates: Instead of sharing your activities in realtime, consider delaying your posts until after you have left a location. This reduces the immediacy of the information and minimises the risk of criminals exploiting it while you are still present.
◆ Adjust privacy settings: Change your social media privacy settings to control who sees your posts. Restricting access to your updates ensures that only trusted individuals are privy to your real-time activities.
◆ Geotagging awareness: Be cautious about geotagging features that automatically reveal your location.
Disable this feature or selectively enable it for specific posts to mitigate the risk of criminals tracking your movements.
Personal messaging: Share intimate details of your festivities directly with friends and family through private messaging, rather than public posts.
This keeps your updates within a trusted circle and reduces exposure to potential threats.
◆ Post after departure: Save the bulk of your updates after you have left a location.
This adds an extra layer of security by not providing immediate information that criminals could exploit. Beyond safeguarding your online behaviour, take the initiative to educate friends and family about the potential dangers of oversharing on social media.
Encourage responsible sharing practices and emphasise the importance of personal safety in the digital age. While social media offers a convenient platform for sharing life’s joys, balancing connectivity and personal security is crucial.
By adopting mindful posting habits, adjusting privacy settings and educating those in your network, you create a safer online environment for everyone.
The festive season should be a time of joy and celebration, not marred by the risks of oversharing on social media.
Take control of your digital footprint to ensure a secure and worry-free holiday season for you and your loved ones.
Phishing remains a prevalent cyber threat, especially during the holiday season when people are more likely to receive emails or messages about holiday greetings, promotions or shipping notifications. Cybercriminals use these opportunities to trick individuals into clicking malicious links or providing sensitive information.
Imagine receiving an email that appears to be from a popular online retailer offering exclusive festive discounts. Before clicking any links, verify the sender’s email address and hover over the links to preview the destination URL.Legitimate retailers will never ask for sensitive information via email. Staying vigilant, securing your online activities and educating those around you are essential practices that contribute to a safe and joyful holiday experience.
Remember, the gift of cybersecurity keeps on giving, ensuring a happy and secure festive season for all.