Staying Safe Online This Holiday Season

Holidays and celebration periods are a time for family, friends, and fun! But with these also comes increased online activity, which can unfortunately attract cybercriminals looking to take advantage. Here at the VITD, we're committed to keeping your information and devices safe. That's why we want to share some simple tips to help you stay secure this holiday season.

Why We're Extra Cautious:

• Spikes in online activity: During holidays like Easter, Black Friday, and Christmas, people tend to shop online, use social media more, and click on more links. This creates more opportunities for cybercriminals to launch attacks.
• Relaxed vigilance: With deals on the mind, people might be less attentive to potential scams or suspicious activity.

Simple Steps to Boost Your Online Security:

• Beware of Phishing: Watch out for emails, texts, or calls that try to trick you into clicking on malicious links or sharing personal information. If something seems suspicious, don't click! Remember, legitimate companies won't pressure you for immediate action or personal details.
• Strong Passwords are Your Superpower: Use unique and strong passwords (length, mix of letters, numbers, and symbols) for all your online accounts. Don't reuse the same password everywhere, and use a password manager to keep them safe.
• Update, Update, Update: Ensure your devices (computers, phones, tablets) and software are always updated with the latest security patches. This helps fix known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
• Start at home: Apply updates and the same good security practices at home, it can be easy for an attacker to travel from compromised home equipment to the work network.
• Think Before You Click: Be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments in emails, even from seemingly familiar senders. If unsure, double-check the sender's email address and hover over links before clicking to see where they really lead.
• Shop Securely: Only use trusted websites for online shopping. Use strong passwords for your shopping accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for extra protection wherever possible.
• Enjoy, but Stay Aware: Don't completely let your guard down when chasing a deal. Keep these tips in mind and be vigilant about your online activity.

We're here for you! If you have any questions or concerns about your online security, please don't hesitate to contact us here. Wishing you a safe and special season from everyone at VITD!