As the holiday season is here, businesses must remain vigilant against the increased threat of cybersecurity hacks and scams. Cybercriminals often utilize the festive mood and increased online activity to target unconscious companies and their employees.
Fortunately, security organizations are on the lookout for these criminals.
Here are some of the most prevalent holiday cyber attacks and possible practical advice for safeguarding your business and your employees.
1. Phishing Emails and Fake Websites with a Holiday Twist
During the holidays, phishing attacks become more sophisticated and harder to detect. Attackers often disguise as company owners or popular vendors, offering holiday bonuses or special deals through fake emails or payment processors.
These emails often include urgent messages claiming you’ve won a prize or that there’s an issue with your payment, asking you to click on a link to resolve it. Once you click, you’re often redirected to a fake website that steals your personal and financial information.
2. Fake Invoices
During the holiday season, scammers often send fake invoices, hoping they blend in with legitimate ones and get paid unnoticed. This is especially challenging for businesses as advanced digital tools make scams appear authentic, such as the PayPal invoice scam from last year. With small businesses overwhelmed by increased sales and staff taking time off, these fake invoices can easily slip through the cracks unnoticed.
3. Beware of Fake Holiday Deals
Cyber Monday is a prime time for scams, especially deals that seem too good to be true. Fraudsters often send emails or post on social media promoting unbelievable discounts or irresistible gifts, claiming they’re exclusive holiday offers. However, their real aim is to steal your credit card details or infect your device with malware. Stay vigilant and verify deals before clicking.
4. Package Delivery Scams
Package delivery and missed package scams are the ones in the increase this season. Since businesses and customers alike receive a lot more packages during the holidays, delivery issues can be more believable. These often arrive via text or email and claim they’re from a popular online company like Amazon. They usually include a link, which may direct you to a contact form to attempt to steal personal info or your account login details.
5. Fake Tracking Numbers and Shipping Scams
After making holiday purchases, you might receive an unexpected email with a shipping confirmation or tracking number for a package you don’t recall ordering. This is a common scam designed to deceive you. Scammers send these emails to entice you into clicking malicious links or downloading harmful attachments, putting your personal information at risk. Stay cautious and verify unfamiliar tracking details.
6. Holiday Ad Scams
This type of scam involves paying for advertising services that don’t exist. In rare cases, the purchased ad may technically exist, but it’s not in a place where anyone will view it. Other gray areas involve charging high fees for low-quality ads or setting up listings that may take little time or effort. As many companies consider investing more in advertising and awareness for upcoming sales, using a trusted advertising partner is important.
7. Counterfeit Goods
This is the perfect time for scammers to offer counterfeit or knock-off products at “ridiculous” prices. Whether it’s high-end electronics, designer clothing, or beauty products, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Counterfeit goods may look similar to the real thing, but they can often be subpar in quality and may even pose safety risks.
8. Fake Business Recognition Awards
Businesses strive for recognition, but scammers exploit this desire through fake vanity awards that mimic legitimate honors. These fraudulent awards hold no real value but charge small submission fees to apply. If a company is declared a “winner,” additional payments are often required for trophies, plaques, or other items. Stay cautious and research awards thoroughly to avoid falling for these schemes.
9. Social Media Scams and Fake Giveaways
Social media platforms are a popular venue for scams during the holiday season. Fraudsters may create fake giveaway campaigns or “flash sales” that promise amazing prizes but require you to submit personal information or follow suspicious links in order to enter. Once you do, you may have your personal information stolen or even be charged for something you didn’t order.
10. Charity Scams
Giving and showing love to the less privilege is a common theme during the holidays, but generosity is sometimes taken advantage of. Charity scams are more likely to happen during this time of year, often involving convincing pitches to convince small businesses that something is a worthy cause. The donation amount might even seem modest. However, it’s essential to check every request to ensure the charity exists and that most money goes towards the given cause.
Holiday Cyber Scam Prevention Tips
Tips to Protect yourself and your business From Cyber thieves are;
- Watch for Phishing: Be cautious of unexpected, suspicious emails or messages.
- Verify Invoices: Double-check invoices before payment, especially during busy times.
- Avoid Fake Delivery Links: Track packages directly on carrier websites.
- Choose Reliable Ad Partners: Research vendors and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
- Shop Safely Online: Stick to trusted retailers and be wary of overly cheap deals.
- Educate Employees: Train staff to spot gift card scams and fake leadership requests.
- Validate Awards & Charities: Confirm legitimacy before sharing money or information.
- Be Wary of Overpayment: Don’t refund overpaid amounts until payments clear.
- Monitor Social Media: Look out for fake support messages or urgent alerts.
Steps to Take if Your Business Falls Victim for a Cyber Scam
- Identify the Breach: Determine how the scam occurred and what was compromised (e.g., data, transactions, credentials).
- Secure Accounts: Update passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and disconnect unauthorized access.
- Report the Incident: File reports with the FBI’s IC3, FTC, and your financial institution if losses occurred.
- Dispute Charges: Contact your bank or payment processor to reverse unauthorized transactions and secure accounts.
- Notify Affected Parties: Alert employees, customers, or partners who may be impacted and provide protective guidance.
- Assess the Damage: Examine systems for vulnerabilities or additional compromises.
- Strengthen Cybersecurity: Enhance protections through employee training, system monitoring, and professional IT support.
Act quickly to minimize damage and prevent future incidents.
In Conclusion
This season is exciting for shoppers, but it’s also a time when scammers are out in full force. By staying vigilant, practising safe online shopping habits, and verifying the legitimacy of deals and websites, you can protect yourself and your finances from falling victim to holiday scams. Stay vigilant and informed to avoid falling victim to holiday scams. Following these tips can minimise the risk of falling victim to holiday cyber scams. Education and awareness are your strongest defences against evolving threats.
Stay Smart, Stay Safe!!!