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How to stay cyber secure this holiday season

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Published by Hunted Cyber Team, Leah Pinto, Jay Banerji and Carter Smith on December 12 2024

 

Technology has become a big part of the holiday season.

From online shopping for presents to giving the gift of tech to your loved ones, the Christmas season and tech go hand in hand.

But with any tech can come risks – whether it’s dodgy e-commerce sites or common mistakes people make securing the smart devices they open on Christmas day.

Afterall, it’s a busy, stressful time of year where people can drop their guard. 

We asked our Hunted Cyber experts for their top tips for staying cyber secure this holiday season.

 

Purchase from reputable websites 

In the race to get your Christmas shopping done, everyone is on the hunt for great deals. But it’s important to remember to make online purchases from reputable websites rather than chasing those too good to be true deals on social media. 

Here are some things to consider before hitting purchase online:

 


Beware of dropshipping scams that sell cheap, low-quality goods.


 

Be careful with your payment details

Once upon a time we only had to worry about keeping the cash or cards in our wallets safe. Now, it can be hard to keep track of who has them and where our payment details are online. The unfortunate reality is that when we type in our payment details to make an online purchase, those details may be stored and become vulnerable to cyber criminals.

Consider these tips before purchasing your next item: 

 

Be smart with your smart devices

Internet-connected devices bring a wealth of convenience, utility and connectedness to our lives. They are popular gifts around Christmas time, but they are not without their cyber risks.

When buying a smart device: 
When setting up a smart device: 

 

Think twice before connecting to free Wi-Fi

Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi networks? CyberCX’s Jed Laundry looked into this question in a recent blogpost which you can read here

Free Wi-Fi hotspots are common in hotels, cafes and even some parks. While it can be convenient in areas with poor reception or for travellers abroad, it comes with risks.

When using your device while travelling, be sure to:

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