Thanksgiving Tech Defense: Keeping Cybercrime Off the Menu
Thanksgiving is almost here – a time for family and friends, those classic dishes, and a little time to decompress from the day-to-day routine. This well-deserved pause in our daily UITS commitments is essential but requires the necessary precautions are in place to ensure continued device safety.
Historically, there has been a seasonal rise in cybercrime. Cyberattacks, including phishing and ransomware threats, tend to spike during the holiday season as attackers exploit people’s distractions, holiday shopping and reduced IT staffing. In fact, the FBI reported a 10% increase in cybercrime complaints in 2023, with Thanksgiving and other holidays seeing frequent phishing attempts and credential-theft schemes. Attackers often disguise malicious links or files as legitimate holiday deals or urgent messages, so it’s essential to be cautious about clicking on links in emails and messages.
Keep in mind these key tips to stay safe over the Thanksgiving break:
- Be Vigilant with Email: Scrutinize any emails with links or attachments, especially those that seem to offer special holiday deals or request sensitive information.
- Secure Data with Backups: Ensure backups are current and stored offline to protect against ransomware that could encrypt files on your primary network.
- Update and Patch Devices: Before the break, install software updates and security patches to safeguard against vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.
- Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Strong passwords that you protect, and two-factor authentication will help protect your accounts and identity.
These steps can help you enjoy your break without compromising personal or workplace cybersecurity.
For more information, visit the Information Security Office’s Security for the U of A Community page.