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**Home for the Holidays? Share This Top Cybersecurity Advice with Friends and Family**
As the holiday season approaches, many of us will be spending time with loved ones, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts. But amidst all the cheer, it’s essential to remember that this is also a prime time for scammers and hackers to strike.
To help keep your friends and family safe online, I’d like to share some top cybersecurity advice that’s easy to implement and can make a big difference in preventing identity theft and financial loss.
**Be Careful with Phone Calls**
Remember that any MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) is better than none. When it comes to phone calls, be “politely paranoid” and don’t be afraid to hang up if you’re unsure about the legitimacy of the caller. If a call sounds suspicious or asks for sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers, trust your instincts and end the call.
Instead, contact the company directly using their official website, app, or secure message inbox to verify any concerns they may have raised. By being cautious and verifying identities before sharing personal information, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing scams.
**Verify Before Sharing**
Another crucial tip is to always verify the authenticity of organizations claiming to be contacting you. Whether it’s a bank, credit card company, or government agency, make sure to contact them directly using their official channels and not share sensitive information over the phone.
In fact, Tobac suggests that if someone calls and claims there are strange charges on your account, hang up and call back using the official number listed on your bank card. This simple step can help prevent fraudulent transactions and identity theft.
**Bookmark Official Websites**
Make sure to bookmark official login pages in a browser for easy access when verifying suspicious calls or messages. This way, you can quickly check for yourself if there’s any truth to what they’re saying. By having these bookmarks readily available, your loved ones can take control of their online security and avoid falling prey to scams.
**The Gift of Cybersecurity**
As we head into the holiday season, remember that cybersecurity is a gift that keeps on giving. Educating your friends and family about the importance of password managers, MFA, and being “politely paranoid” can help prevent identity theft and financial loss in the long run.
So, take some time to share these tips with your loved ones before the festivities begin. Trust me, it’ll be a gift they won’t forget!
Remember that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can all stay safe online and enjoy the holidays without worrying about malicious hackers ruining the party.
Stay secure, everyone!
Source: techcrunch.com
