The holiday season is a time for joy, celebrations, and connecting with loved ones. It’s also a time when cybercriminals will take advantage of the festive distractions to launch attacks against the everyday person, as the organizations operating on a skeleton crew aren’t as susceptible to human-based attacks. While most people know about common scams like phishing emails disguised as package delivery notifications or fraudulent online shopping sites, other less-discussed cybersecurity risks and attacks are helpful to bring back to everyone’s attention.
Deepfakes
Deepfake technology, while a big topic for the past several years, has advanced significantly and is now used creatively and deceptively. Imagine receiving a video message from a friend or family member asking for financial help to cover an “emergency” holiday expense. These videos can be created with about 30 seconds of audio of the person talking and an image to develop an interaction to exploit people’s trust in their close relationships. Audio deepfakes pose a similar threat; for example, a cybercriminal could use synthetic voice technology to replicate a family member’s voice and ask for money or help from someone less aware of these attacks. The emotional appeal combined with the urgency of the holiday season makes these scams particularly dangerous. To avoid falling victim, verifying any unusual requests through a different communication channel or checking with another family member and remaining cautious of messages that evoke a sense of panic is important.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Beyond social engineering tactics, the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in holiday celebrations introduces another layer of risk. From smart speakers playing festive tunes to connected lights that dance to your music, IoT devices bring joy but also vulnerabilities. Many devices come with default credentials that are easy for attackers to exploit or may operate on unsecured networks, exposing your home. Changing default passwords, segmenting your network, and regularly updating device firmware are simple but effective steps to mitigate these risks. A good way to segment your network is if you have a home router connected to your router from your internet service provider (ISP). Connect your IoT devices to the ISP router and your personal devices like computers, smartphones, and tablets to your personal router. Leave all the smart speakers, smart switches, and smart plugs on your ISP to isolate them as you can communicate with them via the internet and device-provided software.
QR Codes
Another subtle but growing threat comes from QR code scams. As QR codes are used for everything from restaurant menus to holiday event check-ins, cybercriminals are exploiting them. Malicious QR codes can redirect unsuspecting users to fake websites or even download malware onto their devices. To protect yourself, it’s crucial to be skeptical of QR codes before scanning, verify URLs for authenticity, and consider using a dedicated QR code scanner app that alerts you to potentially malicious links. It’s important to trust and verify the QR code when scanning it.
Online Shipping
Online shopping, a cornerstone of holiday preparations, also carries hidden dangers. Supply chain attacks, where cybercriminals compromise third-party vendors or services to infiltrate legitimate websites, are becoming more prevalent. Such attacks can inject malicious code into trusted platforms, steal payment information, or distribute malware. Sticking to reputable retailers, using virtual credit cards, and setting up transaction alerts are proactive measures to counter these risks.
Even cherished holiday traditions like sending and receiving e-cards can become a vector for cyber threats. Attackers often use these digital greetings to deliver malware or harvest personal information. Verifying the sender and avoiding clicking suspicious links can help you enjoy this tradition safely. Instead, consider accessing e-cards directly through the platform’s website by entering the provided code.
Organizations and Holiday Prep
For organizations, the holiday season brings unique challenges as well. Reduced IT staffing and distracted employees create an environment ripe for cyberattacks. Providing employees with updated security awareness training tailored to holiday threats, monitoring suspicious activity, and limiting access to critical systems can bolster defenses. Ensuring that security teams remain vigilant during this period is crucial for maintaining operational integrity.
The Star on the Tree
The holidays don’t have to be a time of increased stress, at least not regarding cybersecurity. By understanding and addressing these hidden risks, you can ensure the season remains joyful and secure. Cybercriminals thrive on chaos and distraction, but a proactive approachāfrom securing IoT devices to staying cautious with public Wi-Fi and online transactionsācan keep you ahead of their tactics.
As you gather with loved ones and enjoy the festivities, take a moment to share these insights. Educating those around you amplifies the message and helps create a safer digital environment. With awareness and preparation, we can ensure that the only surprises this holiday season are the ones wrapped under the tree.
Stay vigilant, stay safe, and enjoy a cybersecurity-strong holiday season. Thanks for stopping by!
A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Hackers Away:
Why is a broken drum the best Christmas gift? (see below the image for the answer)
You just can’t beat it!
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