Are you all set to enjoy your summer holidays? Can’t wait to go out and finally enjoy your time off along a dreamy beachside? If yes, then you definitely need to see this!
Yes, you deserve this much-needed break from the sweltering heat and monotonous work schedule. But remember that threat actors are never on a break. They keep operating behind the scenes day in and day out. And what’s worse? Cyber attacks tend to rise during summer holidays!
But why do cybercrimes spike around this time? Let’s find out!
Reasons Why Threat Actors Love Summer Vacations As Much As You Do!
No, it’s not them, it’s you!
As soon as the summer holidays approach, you start dreaming of the azure blue seas, golden beaches, exotic food, and a rejuvenating holiday. To plan your vacation you start scrolling social media and browse the internet all the time.
From booking the accommodations and flight tickets to shopping your vacation outfits, you surf internet while using that public wi-fi at a cafe or mall.
And the moment you start with the prep-ups, you tend to share every single detail on social media.
Amidst all the excitement, you forget to stay vigilant enough to safeguard your personal details and sensitive data. Here are a few actions of yours which may allow threat actors to penetrate deep into your bank account and PC.
Surge in Online Transactions
It’s too hard to miss out on those last-minute deals. But the offer prices that seem too good to be true can actually be click baits by threat actors. Illegitimate websites and fake emails and messages may lure you with unbelievable prices. But more often than not, they turn out to be scams that aim at gaining access to your sensitive data.
Unsecured Public Wi-Fis
Whether you are browsing the internet to grab the best deals or upload the most aesthetic pictures ever, the moment you use public wi-fi, you basically send an open invitation to the hackers to intercept your devices. The free wi-fi at airport lounges, cafes, or hotels is not really free. Rather, they allow threat actors to pry into your devices and get straight access to your personal data such as bank account details, usernames, passwords, and so on.
But will you stop enjoying your summer vacations just because of threat actors? Not really! Let’s check out the safe cyber practices that will let you indulge in the summer holidays and, at the same time, keep threat actors at bay!
10 Tips and Tricks to Safeguard Your Summer Holidays From Scammers!
1. Keep an eye on phishing scams
You may receive fraudulent emails or SMSes where threat actors pose as legitimate travel companies. The emails will try to convince you with never-seen-before deals and create a sense of urgency. The emails may contain malicious links. If you click on them you may unknowingly download malware on your device.
The best way is to cross-check the email address of the sender and visit the official website of the travel company for any booking-related queries.
2. Always book your tickets and accommodations from reliable sources
Never ever do the bookings from shady, unknown companies and agencies. Instead, go for the popular ones. Scammers often try to fool you by posting amazing offers on unfamiliar websites and social media pages. If you ever come across similar offers on not-so-famous sites, go deeper and research their head office, contact number, and so on.
3. Always go through reviews and testimonials
Check reviews and testimonials by previous guests. Avoid listings that have zero or minimal reviews. Make sure you communicate through the official website or email address to maintain a record of all your interactions.
4. Beware of social media scams
Social media is not always real. You may come across unbeatable offers that will tempt you to make instant payments or share sensitive data. But you need to be extra careful and check the authenticity of these ads and offers. Check their contact numbers, reviews, and other details before sharing your personal data or making payments.
5. Invest in travel insurance
Buy travel insurance that will protect you in case you become a victim of financial fraud or a travel scam.
6. Keep yourself updated about the ongoing cyber scams
Cyber awareness is the need of the hour. Start with travel forums and travel advisories to be well-versed with the latest scams. Go through cybersecurity-related news articles to educate yourself about ongoing cybercrimes and fraudulent activities.
Awareness is the most effective key to preventing cyber scams at this moment.
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7. Always listen to your gut feelings
If something is not feeling right, then abort the idea immediately. Most of the time, it’s your gut feeling asking you to stay away from such frauds. In case you feel something fishy while booking or buying something online, hold the plan for some time and consult with your friends, family or maybe some travel expert who can guide you in detail.
8. Safeguard your personal details at all costs
Avoid sharing sensitive data such as passwords, credit card information, social security numbers, and so on. If a site is asking you to share these details, then it is better to leave it immediately. Or, you can check if the website has a secure connection (The URL should start with “https:// and not http://).
9. Double-check payment methods
Always use secure payment methods and gateways. It is better to stick to reputed platforms like PayPal or use conventional credit cards. Prepaid debit cards or wire transfers are not recommended as they don’t really allow you to trace the entire communication.
10. Be careful even during the trips
Even after you are done with the booking, be wary of sharing personal details on social media, such as real-time location, accommodation, and flight details.
Summer holidays can be fun. But if you fail to be vigilant enough, they can soon turn the fun into devastation. If you are geared up to plan your summer holidays, keep in mind to incorporate phishing protection strategies alongside the above pointers to secure your trip and steer clear of threat actors.