It’s that time of year again. Hot cocoa, twinkly lights, and endless “limited-time” online deals. You’re juggling end-of-year projects at work, planning family get-togethers, and maybe doing some online shopping between meetings. But just like the crowds at the mall, the internet has its own kind of holiday rush, and not all shoppers are there for the right reasons.
These holiday cybersecurity tips are for the everyday person who wants to stay safe while shopping online this season. Whether you’re buying gifts for family or ordering office supplies before the new year, ONE 2 ONE has put together a few simple holiday cybersecurity tips to help keep your personal and work information safe.
Watch Out for Fake Deals
Let’s start with the one that gets almost everyone. The too-good-to-be-true deal.
You see an email from your favorite brand saying, “75% off everything for the next 15 minutes.” You click fast, fill your cart, and before you know it, you’ve handed your credit card info to a fake website that only looked like the real thing.
Scammers love this time of year because we’re all distracted and moving fast. Before you click, pause and check the website address carefully. Real retailers usually have secure web addresses that start with “https.” And if you got the deal through an email, hover over the link before you click. If the address looks weird or doesn’t match the company name, skip it.
Use Strong Passwords (and Don’t Reuse Them)
We get it. Keeping track of all your passwords can feel like juggling ornaments on a windy day. But using the same one for your email, bank, and shopping sites is like locking every door in your house with the same key. If one gets stolen, the rest are easy targets.
Try using a password manager that creates strong, unique passwords for you. Many even fill them in automatically, saving you time and keeping your info safer. At ONE 2 ONE, we often help small business teams set these up to protect both personal and work accounts. Especially when everyone’s logging in from home during the holidays.
Be Smart About Public Wi-Fi
That cozy coffee shop might have great lattes, but its public Wi-Fi isn’t always safe. Hackers can easily snoop on open networks, especially during busy shopping weekends.
If you’re checking bank balances, making purchases, or logging into work systems, skip the free Wi-Fi and use your mobile data or a personal hotspot instead. Or if you have to connect, use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). It’s like wrapping your internet traffic in a secret code that keeps prying eyes out.
Keep Your Devices Updated
We know those “software update available” pop-ups always seem to show up when you’re busiest. But updates fix security holes that cybercriminals love to exploit.
Think of it like locking your car before you go shopping. It only takes a few seconds, but it protects everything inside. Whether it’s your phone, laptop, or work computer, take a few minutes to install updates before the season gets even crazier.
Stay Alert for Phishing Emails
Fake “order confirmations” and “shipping notices” flood inboxes this time of year. They often look convincing, using real brand logos and wording that feels urgent. “Your delivery is delayed!” or “Account issue: click here to fix.”
If you didn’t place an order with that company, don’t click anything. Go directly to the retailer’s website instead. ONE 2 ONE regularly helps businesses train employees to spot these scams because one wrong click can expose both personal and company data.
Wrapping It Up
The holidays should be about joy, not cyber headaches. Staying safe online doesn’t mean avoiding deals. It just means slowing down long enough to make smart choices. At ONE 2 ONE, we believe cybersecurity shouldn’t feel complicated or reserved for “tech people.” It’s something anyone can understand with the right guidance and a few good habits.
So go ahead. Enjoy your peppermint mocha and find that perfect gift online. Just keep your eyes open, your passwords strong, and your software updated. A little awareness now, and with these holiday cybersecurity tips, you can keep your holiday season merry, bright, and secure.