Stay Cyber-Safe During the Holidays: Safety Tips

Ready.gov offers tips for protecting your private information during the holidays and all year long. The holiday season is a busy time. We shop more. We travel more. We also get more messages, calls, and emails. That gives scammers more chances to try to trick people. A few simple steps can help protect your personal information, your money, and your devices.

Before a Cyber Attack

The best time to protect yourself is before anything goes wrong. A little prevention can save a lot of stress later.

Limit the personal information you share online. Change privacy settings and do not use location features.
Keep software applications and operating systems up to date. Updates often fix security problems.
Create strong passwords by using upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters. Use a password manager and two methods of verification.
Watch for suspicious activity that asks you to do something right away, offers something that sounds too good to be true, or needs your personal information. Think before you click. When in doubt, do NOT click.
Protect your home and/or business using a secure Internet connection and Wi-Fi network and change passwords regularly.
Don’t share PINs or passwords. Use devices that use biometric scans when possible, such as a fingerprint scanner or facial recognition.
Check your account statements and credit reports regularly.
Be cautious about sharing personal financial information, such as your bank account number, Social Security number or credit card number. Only share personal information on secure sites that begin with https://. Do not use sites with invalid certificates. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that creates a more secure connection.
Use antivirus and anti-malware solutions, and firewalls to block threats.
Back up your files regularly in an encrypted file or encrypted file storage device.
Do not click on links in texts or emails from people you don’t know. Scammers can create fake links to websites.
Remember that the government will not call, text or contact you via social media about owing money.
Keep in mind that scammers may try to take advantage of financial fears by calling with work-from-home-opportunities, debt consolidation offers and student loan repayment plans.

It also helps to slow down when a message creates pressure. Scammers often want you to act fast so you do not have time to think. If a text says your package cannot be delivered, or an email says your account is locked, stop and check the sender. Go to the real website yourself instead of clicking the link. If a phone call asks you to confirm private information, hang up and call the company using a number you trust.

Simple habits matter. Lock your phone and computer when you are not using them. Use different passwords for important accounts. If you have trouble keeping track of them, a password manager can help. Turning on two methods of verification adds another layer of safety. That means someone needs more than just your password to get in.

For people with disabilities, safe technology use is important for daily life. Online banking, telehealth, shopping, school, work, and communication all depend on secure devices and accounts. If you need help finding disability resources or figuring out the right support, DNL can help. Our services are free. Call (616) 396-5326.

During a Cyber Attack

If you think something is wrong, act quickly. Fast action can limit the harm.

Check your credit card and bank statements for unrecognizable charges.
Check your credit reports for any new accounts or loans you didn’t open.
Be alert for emails and social media users that ask for private information.
If you notice strange activity, limit the damage by changing all of your internet account passwords immediately.
Consider turning off the device that has been affected. Take it to a professional to scan for potential viruses and remove any that they find. Remember: A company will not call you and ask for control of your computer to fix it. This is a common scam.
Let work, school or other system owners know what happened.
Run a security scan on your device to make sure your system is not infected or acting more slowly or inefficiently.
If you find a problem, disconnect your device from the Internet and perform a full system restore.

Think about the signs of fraud. A strange charge may be small at first, because scammers sometimes test an account before trying a larger amount. A new account on your credit report may mean someone used your information without permission. A message from a friend can also be risky if their account was taken over, so be careful with any request for money or private details.

If your device starts acting up, do not ignore it. Slow speed, pop-up ads, programs opening by themselves, or unusual battery drain can be warning signs. If you can, disconnect from the Internet right away. That can help stop the problem from spreading. Then get help from a trusted repair professional or another person who knows how to check the device safely.

Never give control of your computer to someone who called you out of the blue. That is a common scam. A real company should not ask a stranger to take over your device this way.

After a Cyber Attack

After the threat is handled, there are still important steps to take. You may need to contact several places, depending on what information was stolen.

Contact banks, credit card companies and other financial services companies where you hold accounts. You may need to place holds on accounts that have been attacked. Close any unauthorized credit or charge accounts. Report that someone may be using your identity.
File a report with the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) if you think someone is using your Social Security number illegally.
File a complaint with the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). They will review the complaint and refer it to the appropriate agency.
File a report with the local police so there is an official record of the incident.
Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov/complaint if you receive messages from anyone claiming to be a government agent.
Contact additional agencies depending on what information was stolen.
Examples include contacting:
- The Social Security Administration (800-269-0271) if your Social Security number was compromised, or
- The Department of Motor Vehicles if your driver's license or car registration has been stolen.
Report online crime or fraud to your local United States Secret Service (USSS) Electronic Crimes Task Force or the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Keep records of what happened. Save emails, texts, screenshots, account notes, and dates. Write down who you spoke with and what they told you. That can help if you need to prove the fraud later or follow up with another agency.

If you must freeze or close accounts, move carefully. Make sure you update any automatic payments or deposits after the problem is resolved. Keep watching your statements for a while, because some problems show up later.

Cyber attacks can feel personal and upsetting. That is normal. Take one step at a time and ask for help when you need it. If you need support finding the right disability resources or navigating a stressful situation, DNL is here to help. Our services are free. Call us at (616) 396-5326.

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Services

Advocacy

Assistance Animals

Information & Referral

Peer Support

Emergency Readiness

Social Security Disability

Social Participation

Veterans

Skills Development

Employment

Transition

Nursing Home Transition

Youth Services