The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and… unfortunately, increased online scams. Cybercriminals know many of us are busy, distracted, and more likely to open unexpected emails or click suspicious links during this festive time. According to Norton studies, 34% of U.S. adults report taking more online risks during the holidays, and scammers take full advantage of it.
With phishing scams on the rise, it’s critical to protect yourself and your information. Here, we’ll share seven actionable email security tips to keep you safe this holiday season and talk about why safeguarding your inbox should remain a priority year-round.
7 Essential Email Security Tips for the Holidays
1. Beware of Urgent Requests
Scammers thrive on panic and urgency. Phishing emails often claim there’s an issue with your account or a missed payment that you must fix immediately. Take a moment to pause. If you think the issue is legitimate, contact the company directly by visiting their official website or calling their verified customer support—not by clicking links in the email.
2. Double-Check Email Sender Details
Phishing emails may look like they’re from trusted retailers or financial institutions, but supporting details often give them away. Watch for:
- Generic greetings like “Dear Customer.”
- Typos or grammatical errors in the email.
- Suspicious sender email addresses that don’t match the official domain (e.g., “support@amz-update.com” instead of an authentic Amazon address).
Being diligent about checking these small details is a simple yet powerful way to improve your email security.
3. Avoid Clicking Unknown Links
Scammers often include fake links to steal sensitive information or install harmful malware. Hover over any links before clicking to ensure it directs you to a legitimate site. When in doubt, go directly to the company’s official website.
4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Strengthen your accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA provides an additional layer of protection by requiring two or more credentials to log in, such as a password, fingerprint, or a one-time code. With MFA, even if scammers steal your credentials, it’s much harder for them to access your accounts.
5. Keep Your Software Updated
Outdated operating systems and software are a playground for cybercriminals. Regular updates include essential security patches that protect you from new threats. Set your devices to update automatically to stay ahead of potential issues.
6. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Reusing passwords across multiple accounts is a big no-no. If one account is compromised, others may follow. Use unique passwords for each account and consider a password manager to create and store strong ones.
7. Be Cautious with Attachments
In addition to links, phishing emails often include attachments with malware. Unless you’re expecting a file—and you’re sure it’s from a trusted sender—avoid opening it. If something seems out of place, verify with the sender through a different communication channel.
Email Security Isn’t Just for the Holidays
While scams spike during the holidays, email security is a year-round necessity. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, and the consequences can range from identity theft to significant financial losses. Implementing these email security tips into your daily routine ensures long-term protection.
Staying alert and proactive can help prevent many phishing attempts from succeeding. Here’s a quick checklist to keep yourself secure online all year long:
- Double-check sender details and greetings.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening unexpected attachments.
- Use multi-factor authentication for all critical accounts.
- Keep software and operating systems up to date.
- Regularly back up your data.
- Use strong passwords and avoid reusing them across accounts.
Protect Your Inbox with Northern Computer
If managing email security sounds overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. At Northern Computer, we specialize in cybersecurity solutions tailored to your specific needs. From phishing education to comprehensive IT security services, we’ve got the tools and expertise to safeguard your digital life.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your business and inbox today. Contact Northern Computer to schedule a free assessment and learn how we can help you stay secure year-round.