The cybercrime economy is growing day by day. Cybercriminals are trying to seize every opportunity to get their victims’ personal data or money. Internet users should act by considering that there may be a cyber fraudster in important days and weeks, on holidays, in any environment where digital activity can be intense. ESET Istanbul Technical Manager Gürcan Şen made suggestions to avoid being a victim of cyber fraud during the holiday period. Şen’s recommendations are as follows:
Inform your elder family members
During the pandemic period, the rate of use of internet and social media platforms by the elderly has
Beware of fake online donation sites! During the Eid period, donations to charities and sacrifices are made by proxy. Especially if you plan to pay online, get accurate information about the charity you are targeting, and do not become a victim of fake links that may appear during this period.
Beware of fake holiday greetings
With the digitalization of holiday greetings, online card sending and congratulatory messages are also increasing. Be cautious before clicking on e-cards from unknown names and links to these applications.
Don’t be fooled by impossible offers. Be alert to messages and e-mails such as ‘Free’, ‘You Won’ that attract users. Do not trust offers that seem too good to be true!
Do not make monetary transactions from public Wi-Fi hotspots unless necessary. The fact that the holiday is long and it coincides with the holiday period increases the usage rate of internet connections in public areas. Do not make banking transactions or online shopping from public Wi-Fi hotspots with questionable security. Your private information can be viewed by others.
Make sure to back up your important data before traveling and keep it in a safe environment. Thus, when your computer, tablet or phone is stolen or lost, you will not lose your data.
Do not neglect system patches. Vulnerabilities in the operating system are considered by cybercriminals as an important virus infection tool. Therefore, take into account the update warnings on your computer before you go on vacation and do not forget to install system patches.
Use security software on your devices. More than a billion malware in the virtual world; trying to access our private, financial or business data. For this reason, use a well-known antivirus or internet security software on your computers, tablets and phones. It will keep you away from many troubles.