The holidays are finally here! It's the season for cozy gatherings, last-minute gift shopping, festive travel plans, and reconnecting with loved ones. But as we dive into the holiday excitement, cybercriminals are just as busy, looking for opportunities to take advantage of distracted and unsuspecting people.

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It is easy to fall into an online scam during this season when you are not paying attention. These scams could be through fake shopping deals, juicy gift vouchers in phishing emails, or identity theft through compromised accounts.

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Staying safe online doesn't have to be complicated. Here are a few smart steps to help you protect yourself while enjoying the season.

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1. Be wary of fake deals

You're scrolling online and stumble across an expensive gadget for a ridiculously low price that feels like a holiday miracle until you realize it's a scam. Holiday sales are everywhere, and who doesn't like an excellent bargain? 

However cyber criminals know this, and they'll have fake websites and advertisements offering nice discounts waiting in the wings. In such cases, if something appears too good to be true, then it probably is.

Stick to trusted websites and double-check the URL to make sure you're on the real deal. Secure sites will have a padlock icon in the address bar.

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2. Think twice about discount/promo emails

"Congratulations! You've won a $500 gift card!" Sounds great, right? 

But if you didn't enter any contest, it's likely a phishing attempt trying to steal your personal information. During the holidays, phishing emails tend to pop up everywhere from fake shipping updates and too-good-to-be-true gift card offers to urgent requests to verify your account details.

Take a moment to think before clicking on links in emails. Look at the sender's email address to make sure there is no weird twist to it; watch for typos, weird spacing, and formatting; hover over links to examine where hard-to-read links would actually take you. Avoid opening attachments that are unexpected and when in doubt, don't engage.

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3. Use secure wi-fi while traveling

Holiday travel is exciting, but it is also an avenue for scammers to trick unsuspecting travelers. The public Wi-Fi in airports, cafes, or hotels seems convenient but it's rarely secure. Hackers can use these networks to intercept your personal information or infect your devices with malware.

If you must use public Wi-Fi, avoid online shopping or logging into sensitive accounts, like your banking application. Stick to shopping on secure or private networks and use a VPN to encrypt your connection and keep your information safe.

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4. Strengthen your accounts

Hackers love weak passwords, and the holidays give them extra motivation to break into your accounts. Using the same password for all your accounts makes it too easy for them to gain access.

Always use unique, strong passwords for each account. A password manager can make this easy by creating and storing them for you. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible as it adds an extra layer of protection.

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5. Keep an eye on your bank statements

With all the spending and excitement during the holidays, it's easy to lose track of your purchases. Cybercriminals count on this distraction to sneak in fraudulent charges when you're least expecting it.

To stay ahead, keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements. Set up transaction alerts through your bank to get notified of any activity in real-time. By doing this, you can catch anything suspicious early and take action before it becomes a bigger problem.

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Enjoy the holidays without the worry

The holidays are meant to be joyful, and staying safe online doesn't have to be a hassle. By following these simple tips, you can shop, celebrate, and connect with loved ones without falling victim to cyber scams.

Stay smart, stay safe, and enjoy every moment of the season. Wishing you a happy and secure holiday!

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