As the holiday season is finally kicking off, many of us are ready to take a break, visit family, and enjoy some well-deserved vacation time. If you are like most people and share moments online to the outside world, remember that hackers might be watching, too. In fact, they might be following your page in an attempt to gather personal details like your mother’s maiden name or even your address. Read ahead for a quick summary of the Do’s and Don’ts of posting online this holiday season.
The Do’s of Online Posting
Keeping a safety-focused mindset is always recommended when sharing anything online. Here are a few examples of what that looks like:
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Make sure each of your online accounts, from social media to work emails, have a unique password that is both strong and unique. Repeating passwords across platforms gives hackers easy access to everything if one account is compromised. To help with this step, consider using a password manager to help you track multiple passwords effortlessly, and always enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA) where available. MFA offers extra protection by requiring a second verification step, significantly strengthening your defenses against hackers who may get hold of one of your accounts.
2. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it is also known to be hunting ground for hackers. Many cybercriminals set up fake or insecure networks in busy places like airports and cafes, waiting for people to log on. Connecting to these networks can expose your device to unauthorized access. Avoid connecting to these networks to help protect your sensitive information like online banking or personal email.
However, we understand that sometimes you need an internet connection in a pinch. If you must use it, consider investing in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that will encrypt your connection and help keep unwanted eyes away from your private data.
3. Choose Your Followers Wisely
It might feel harmless to have a large follower count, but each new follower is a potential privacy risk. Hackers and scammers often create fake accounts to follow unsuspecting users, gaining access to personal details and even family photos that may be restricted to “friends only.”
Limiting your followers to those you know or recognize is a simple yet effective step. If possible, make your account private and remove followers you don’t recognize. This approach reduces the risk of exposing personal information to those wishing to do harm.
The Don’ts of Online Posting
It is not just about what to do— it is also about knowing what to avoid. Here are some common mistakes people make when posting information online:
1. Share Personal Information
It might be tempting to share your new property, pet names, or even family details online, but these are exactly the kinds of information that hackers look for. This is because details are often used as answers to common security questions, giving hackers a way into your accounts if they can piece together enough information.
Avoid sharing personal details that could be used to impersonate you, break through account verification, or answer security questions. Even seemingly small details can accumulate, giving cybercriminals the tools they need.
2. Click on Random Links
The holidays always bring an influx of shopping emails and promotional messages on social media, and some might be offering deals that sound too good to pass up. However, these tempting links could be traps set up by hackers using fake promotions to lure you into phishing scams. Carefully verify links before you click, especially if the message is unsolicited or from an unfamiliar source. Phishing attempts also occur through direct messages (DMs) on social platforms, where hackers may pose as someone you know or a company you trust. Double-check and verify the source to stay safe.
3. Becoming Complacent
Thinking “Hackers wouldn’t target me” can actually end up making you an easy target. In reality, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), as well as individuals, are increasingly targeted by bad actors. SMBs might often lack full-time IT security, making them unprepared if a network breach occurs.
Maintaining a vigilant approach to your cybersecurity is essential to protect both personal and business data. If you manage a business, Security Awareness Training can be a valuable tool, preparing your team to recognize and respond to potential cyber threats effectively.
Keep Your Holiday Safe with SWK
Staying updated with the latest online security trends can feel overwhelming, especially with the busy holiday season. Fortunately, that is where we come in. SWK offers expert IT support to protect your data while you focus on enjoying the season. Contact us today to work with cybersecurity experts who are committed to safeguarding your online presence. Ensure your holiday is spent relaxing, not dealing with the aftermath of a cyberattack.