Holiday Home Safety and Cyber Grinches

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but don’t let your guard down amid the festive cheer! As 2023 comes to a close, it’s important to remember that cyber grinches are lurking in the digital shadows, hoping to sneak away with your data cookies.  

Remember that: 

• UPS, USPS, FedEx probably do not have a damaged package. Do not click the link in your text or email to claim it!
• You probably did not win the DeWalt heater from ACE. Call your local store.
• You probably did not win FREE vacation from your dream vacation destination. Don’t bother to pack your bags.

Please DO remember to watch out for: 

• Email Scams: Watch out for those digital grinches trying to lure you into their naughty list! If an email looks fishier than last year’s eggnog, it’s probably best to give it the virtual side-eye. Don’t let them steal your personal info!
• Online Shopping: Don’t let cyber grinches swipe your holiday shopping joy! Stick to trustworthy websites – the ones with the padlocks in the address bar and Santa’s cyber-seal of approval. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it’s probably run by elves moonlighting as scammers.
• Password Shenanigans: Update those passwords like you update your holiday playlist! And for the love of gingerbread, please don’t use “password123” – even Frosty could melt that defense. Add a dash of creativity to your passwords – perhaps something inspired by your favorite holiday movie quote? 
• Say “NO” to Public Wi-Fi: Using public Wi-Fi without protection is like leaving your gingerbread house unlocked!
• Device Security: Update your devices like you update your holiday decorations – regularly and with a bit of flair! Antivirus software is your cybersecurity tinsel – it makes everything shine a bit brighter. Plus, Santa totally approves.
• Create a Guest Network: Make Internet access easy for all of your guests. Using your Wi-Fi manager app, create a guest Internet network and keep your visitors connected while keeping your home network safe and secure. Download the PDF and to make sure your guests can easily access the secure network name and password upon arrival.  

There you have it — simple, timely tips to keep your digital space safe this holiday season. The cyber grinches are working overtime, as there is no better time to launch an attack than during the holidays. Stay safe and enjoy your holidays!