Happy Holidays - From your friendly Hacker

This information is also available on my  YouTube Channel  at:  https://youtu.be/obk0ZQVAJqY 

If you prefer, you can also listen to this information on  my  Podcast  at:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/689My30cyD7cpKAACP7mPm?si=UMGUKGcTRXmyYbLxOSiagA 

A five-minute tune-up can save you from a Christmas catastrophe. 

1️⃣Slow Down Before You Click — Hackers Count on Your Holiday Rush

Scam emails and texts explode this time of year:

“Your package is delayed!”

“Your order couldn’t be delivered!”

“Win a free holiday gift card!”

“Urgent - Your account is frozen!”

Tap the brakes.

✅Rule of thumb - If it looks urgent, emotional, or too good to be true — it’s probably a hacker throwing digital tinsel in your eyes.

✅Instead of clicking - Go directly to the company’s real website or app and check your account.

2️⃣Don’t Trust Those “Delivery Alerts” — At Least Not Immediately

Scammers LOVE pretending to be UPS, FedEx, USPS, Amazon - They know everyone is waiting for packages.

✅Do not click links in delivery texts or emails.

✅If there's a tracking number, copy it and paste it into the official site.

✅If it asks for money to redeliver a package → Instant scam.

3️⃣Beware the Fake Online Store Wonderland

Hackers set up whole fake websites in November/December.

Great deals, professional photos, real-looking logos — and zero intention of sending anything.

✅Before buying from a new site:

Google - “Is this website really legit?”

Look for a phone number, a real address, and honest reviews.

Check for “https” and the padlock — not perfect security, but better than nothing.

✅Super deal that feels too good - Treat it like year-old fruitcake. Walk away.

4️⃣ Use a Credit Card — NOT a Debit Card - This is the easiest protection upgrade of all.

✅Credit cards give you fraud protection.

✅Debit cards give hackers access to your cash — instantly — and refunds can take weeks if ever.

If you shop online, credit cards or virtual cards are the safest holiday helpers.

5️⃣Public Wi-Fi + Online Shopping = 🎁A Gift to Hackers

Coffee shops, airports, hotels - these all make your traffic easier for hackers to snoop on.

✅If you must use public Wi-Fi:

Don’t shop - Don’t log in to banking sites - Don’t enter card numbers - Don’t check email that controls your accounts.

Instead - ✅Use your phone’s hotspot

✅Or wait until you’re home

6️⃣Watch Out for “Charity” Scams — Sadly, Hackers Have No Shame

The holidays bring out kindness in people - and exploitation in scammers.

✅Only donate to charities you already know

✅Or confirm them on a trusted charity site (Charity Navigator, BBB Standards for Charity Accountability).

If someone cold-calls you or messages you asking for donations - Nope - Hard pass.

7️⃣Secure Your Accounts Before the Holiday Madness Begins.

✅Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)

✅Use strong passwords (or a password manager)

✅Update your apps and devices

✅Back up important files — hackers love holiday ransomware

These tiny steps shut the door on most attacks.

8️⃣Teach the Family Quickly — Especially the Kids and the Skeptical Uncle.

Hackers don’t just target you — they target the entire household.

✅Remind kids not to click random game links

✅Explain to older relatives that:

Banks don’t text asking for your password - Microsoft doesn’t call to “fix your computer”.

✅If they get a strange message - Tell them to show you BEFORE clicking (You’ll be the holiday hero).

9️⃣When in Doubt - VERIFY BEFORE TRUST✅ - My golden rule works perfectly here.

If something feels off — even a little — double-check it.

Hackers rely on people ignoring that gut feeling.

🎄Final Thoughts — Keep Your Holidays Merry, Not Malware-y

You don’t need to be a tech wizard.

Just slow down, think twice, and follow these simple habits.

Hackers thrive on chaos — and the holidays give them plenty.

Stay safe, stay secure and with these steps, you can shut them down and enjoy a peaceful, scam-free season.

(AI was used to aid in the creation of this article.)

“Thanks for tuning in — now go hit that subscribe button and stay curious, my friends!👋”