The biggest cyber security threats to watch out for this Christmas

Don’t get caught out by Christmas cyber security threats

The festive season is a time for celebration – but for cybercriminals, it’s also prime time for exploitation. As we shop, share, and connect online more than ever, the risks multiply. Here are the biggest Christmas cyber security threats to watch out for this year. And tips on how to stay safe.

1. Phishing scams in disguise

Cybercriminals love to dress up their attacks in festive cheer. Expect emails that look like delivery updates or charity appeals. They appear legitimate and enticing to recipients. These scams are designed to trick individuals into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information, such as personal details or payment credentials. In 2023, Royal Mail-themed phishing scams surged during December, tricking thousands into handing over personal details, and it’s still a concern now, two years later. See examples of what to look out for here. 

Tip: Always check the sender’s address and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails. Also implement email security and educate yourself, staff, family and friends on what to look out for and security best practices.  

We offer email security solutions, awareness training and phishing simulation solutions which can help you better secure your business data. Check out our cyber security solutions.

2. Fake shopping sites

With Black Friday and Christmas deals dominating online retail, fraudulent websites pop up like baubles on a tree. Cybercriminals set up fraudulent websites that closely mimic legitimate retailers, often using professional-looking designs and enticing offers to lure shoppers. These sites may lack proper security features, such as HTTPS in the URL, and are designed to steal payment details or personal information. Unsuspecting customers, drawn in by the promise of bargains, may enter their details and make purchases, only to find that the goods never arrive and their money is lost.  

Last year, NCSC reported over £11 million lost to fake retail sites during the holiday season.  

Tip: Stick to trusted retailers and look for HTTPS in the URL. Make sure to also implement web filtering and firewalls. Here are some other tips from Action Fraud too. 

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3. Gift card cons

Gift cards are convenient – and a favourite for scammers. Once the codes are handed over, the funds are quickly stolen, leaving the victim out of pocket and with little chance of recovery. In 2024, Europol flagged a spike in gift card fraud, where victims were tricked into buying cards and sharing codes. 

Tip: Never share gift card details via email or text. 

4. Fake social media giveaways

‘Win a luxury hamper!’ sounds tempting, but many of these competitions are data-harvesting traps. Scammers create convincing posts and pages promising luxury hampers or expensive gifts, but these competitions are often designed to trick users into sharing sensitive information. Meta reported thousands of fake giveaway pages last December. 

Tip: Verify the account and avoid oversharing personal information. 

5. IoT vulnerabilities

Smart home devices make great gifts – but they can also open doors to hackers. Hackers often target these devices by exploiting default passwords or outdated firmware, potentially gaining access to personal networks and sensitive data. To reduce the risk, it’s essential to change default passwords, keep device software updated, and use a password manager to store credentials securely. Patch management is also crucial for ensuring all software remains protected against the latest threats. By taking these precautions, individuals and businesses can enjoy their festive tech gifts without falling victim to seasonal scams. 

Tip: Change default passwords and keep firmware updated. Using a password manager can help you to safely store and create all your passwords.  

Stay ahead, stay secure 

Cyber threats evolve, but so can your defences. Use multi-factor authentication, update software regularly, and educate family members and staff about online risks. A little vigilance goes a long way in keeping your Christmas merry – and malware-free. 

Does your business need help with security? We can help. Book a free Seven Layers of Security assessment now. Find your gaps and remediate them quickly.