The festive season is accompanied by increased online activity: more emails, a strong presence on social media and more frequent use of online banking for purchases and payments. At the same time, however, Christmas and New Year's Eve are a golden opportunity for cybercriminals, who exploit the haste, carelessness and relaxed attitude of users.
Cybersecurity experts are warning that the holiday season is seeing a spike in phishing attacks, social media scams, and bank account breaches. A basic digital security guide can make a difference.
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Email: The No. 1 holiday fraud tool
Email remains the most common channel for cyberattacks. During the holidays, inboxes are flooded with offers, shipping notifications, and "urgent" messages from banks or services.
Scammers create convincing phishing emailsthat mimic well-known brands, courier companies, or even government agencies. Their goal is to trick you into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments.
What to watch out for:
- Always check the sender and domain.
- Avoid links that request immediate action or create panic.
- Do not open attachments from unknown senders.
- Use spam filters and updated antivirus.
Social media: When joy becomes information for hackers
The holidays encourage users to share moments, trips, and family photos. However, this overexposure can prove dangerous.
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Cybercriminals monitor social media to collect information used in targeted social engineering attacks. Statements like “we’re away on vacation” or boarding pass photos can reveal more than you think.
Basic safety tips:
- Limit the visibility of your posts.
- Avoid posting your location in real time.
- Do not accept friend requests from unknown profiles.
- Be careful of messages containing links or "gifts".
Online banking: Increased use, increased risk
Online payments skyrocket during the holidays, making online banking a prime target. Attacks include fake banking alerts, malware and fake apps.
Scammers try to steal credentials, one-time passwords (OTPs), or card details.
How to protect yourself:
- Only use the bank's official app or website.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Do not conduct banking transactions from public Wi-Fi.
- Check your account transactions frequently.
See also: CISA: Guide to protecting networks from Chinese hackers Salt Typhoon
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Public networks and devices: The invisible danger
Cafes, hotels, and shopping malls offer free Wi-Fi, but these networks often lack adequate security. Hackers can steal data through man-in-the-middle attacks.
Additionally, family devices used by multiple users increase the risk of malware installation.
Precautionary measures:
- Use a VPN when connecting to public networks.
- Update operating systems and applications.
- Create separate user accounts on devices.
What to do if you suspect a breach
If you notice suspicious activity:
- Change your passwords immediately.
- Notify the bank or platform.
- Check if your data has been leaked.
Quick reaction significantly reduces the consequences.
The holidays are a time for relaxation, but not for our digital security. With basic protection practices in email, social media and online banking, we can enjoy the days without unpleasant surprises. Information and vigilance remain the most powerful "antibiotics" against cybercrime.
