The holiday season is upon us, bringing joy and festivities. However, it’s essential to be aware of a Grinch that lurks in the digital world – phishing emails. These sneaky messages often disguise themselves as holiday greetings or tempting offers, but they’re trying to trick you into clicking on malicious links. Over 90% of all cyberattacks today have a phishing email as part of the attack chain!
Why the Increase in Phishing during Christmas?
During the holidays, cybercriminals are aware that people are more likely to be shopping online or receiving electronic greetings. This makes it an opportune time for them to launch phishing attacks, hoping that the festive distractions might make us less vigilant.
How to Spot a Phishing Email
- Check the Sender’s Email Address:
- Legitimate companies will have professional email addresses. Be cautious if the email comes from a suspicious or unrelated address.
- Look for Typos and Grammatical Errors:
- Phishing emails often contain mistakes. If you spot errors in spelling or grammar, it’s a red flag.
- Hover Over Links Before Clicking:
- Hover your mouse over any links in the email without clicking. This allows you to see the actual URL. If it looks suspicious, don’t click.
- Beware of Urgent Requests:
- Cybercriminals create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly without thinking. If an email insists you must act immediately, take a step back and think twice. If they email has a limited time offer, such as respond by midnight tonight, or indicates that something you value is about to expire, be cautious.
Stay Safe: Don’t Be Clicky!
Now that you know how to spot phishing emails, remember the golden rule – don’t be clicky! It’s crucial to stay cautious and double-check before interacting with emails, especially during the holiday season. When in doubt, throw it out!
Stay Safe and Share the Knowledge
Share these tips with your friends and family to create a safer online community. The more we know, the better we can protect ourselves and our loved ones. Wishing you a joyful and cyber-safe holiday season!
