Halting Hackers on the Holidays: Protecting Yourself from Seasonal Cyber Threats

by Gary S. Miliefsky, CISSP, fmDHS

Ho-ho-hold on to your data! 🎅 The holiday season is here, bringing cheer, gifts, and…cybercriminals?! That’s right! While you’re decking the halls, hackers are decking their keyboards, ready to steal your data. Don’t let them ruin your festivities. With a few simple tips (and a little help from Santa’s cyber experts), you can outsmart those grinches!

If you’re looking to get serious about cybersecurity, Gary Miliefsky’s books make the perfect holiday read:

1. Keep Your Cryptocurrency Off the Naughty List 🎁

With crypto thefts soaring past $10 billion in 2023, hackers are targeting your Bitcoin like it’s the North Pole’s secret cookie stash. Stay safe by:

• Using Hardware Wallets: Keep your crypto offline and out of reach from sneaky hackers.
• Enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security, like Rudolph leading your sleigh.
• Learning More: Gary’s CRYPTOCONOMY® 2nd Edition is packed with tips to keep the “bad guys” at bay.

2. Watch Out for App-y Grinches 📱

Not all apps are as jolly as they seem! Some are stealing more than your attention. Protect yourself from the naughty ones by:

• Auditing Permissions: If a flashlight app wants your location, that’s a big “no-no!”
• Sticking to Trusted Sources: Only download apps from official stores (and avoid anything sketchier than fruitcake).
• Cleaning Your Phone: Regularly delete apps you no longer use—because less clutter = fewer risks!

3. Protect Your Personal Identifiable Information (PII) 🕵️‍♀️

Hackers love stealing your PII almost as much as kids love candy canes. Here’s how to keep your info under wraps:

• Use Strong Passwords: Think “DasherDancer2023!” instead of “123456.”
• Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye out for unauthorized transactions—don’t let the grinches win!
• Grab Gary’s Guide: Cybersecurity Simplified breaks down easy ways to stay secure.

4. Social Media and Entertainment Apps: Naughty or Nice? 🎥

Apps like TikTok are fun, but they can also be data-hungry. Reduce your risks by:

• Checking Privacy Settings: Limit what apps can access—do they really need your camera?
• Being Data Savvy: Understand how apps collect and use your info.
• Keeping Up with Updates: Make sure you’re using the latest (and safest) versions.

5. Shop Smart, Not Sorry 🛍️

Holiday shopping is prime time for scammers. Don’t get duped while hunting for deals:

• Use Secure Payment Methods: Stick to credit cards for added fraud protection.
• Shop Trusted Sites: Look for HTTPS and avoid “too good to be true” deals.
• Beware of Holiday Scams: If Santa’s “free iPhone” giveaway pops up, it’s probably a trap!

6. Use Government Resources and Protect Your Identity 🛡️

If you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a cybercrime or identity theft, don’t panic—help is available. Follow these steps to safeguard yourself and report the incident:

Immediate Steps

• Place a Fraud Alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to add a fraud alert to your credit report.
• Freeze Your Credit: Prevent new accounts from being opened in your name by freezing your credit—it’s free and effective.
• Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly review your bank, credit, and investment accounts for unauthorized transactions.

Government Resources

• Report Identity Theft: Use the official IdentityTheft.gov site to file a report and create a recovery plan.
• Contact the FTC: The Federal Trade Commission offers guides and tools to help victims of identity theft at www.ftc.gov/idtheft.
• Notify Law Enforcement: File a police report for additional documentation, especially if personal information was used fraudulently.

Protect Yourself Going Forward

• Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider using services like LifeLock, IdentityForce, or PrivacyGuard to monitor your identity and alert you to suspicious activity.
• File Taxes Early: Filing your tax return as soon as possible prevents identity thieves from submitting fraudulent returns in your name.
• Shred Sensitive Documents: Dispose of documents with personal information securely to avoid dumpster-diving thieves.

🎄 Pro Tip: Learn more about protecting yourself year-round in Gary Miliefsky’s Cybersecurity Simplified.

Stay Merry and Safe This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for joy, not worry. Follow these tips to keep hackers out of your celebrations. For a deeper dive into cybersecurity, check out these must-reads by Gary Miliefsky:

Keep calm, stay secure, and have a very merry (hacker-free) holiday season! 🎄✨

 About The Author

Gary Miliefsky is the Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine and a renowned cybersecurity expert, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker. As the founder and CEO of Cyber Defense Media Group, he has significantly influenced the cybersecurity landscape. With decades of experience, Gary is a founding member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a National Information Security Group member, and an active adviser to government and private sector organizations. His insights have been featured in Forbes, CNBC, and The Wall Street Journal, as well as on CNN, Fox News, ABC, NBC, and international media outlets, making him a trusted authority on advanced cyber threats and innovative defense strategies. Gary’s dedication to cybersecurity extends to educating the public, operating a scholarship program for young women in cybersecurity, and investing in and developing cutting-edge technologies to protect against evolving cyber risks.