The holidays are supposed to be about connection—not compromise. But while you’re checking off wish lists, cybercriminals are checking for opportunities.
Phishing attempts spike by 400% during peak shopping weeks, and more than one in three Americans has already fallen victim to a holiday shopping scam. In 2024 alone, U.S. consumers reported losing over $12.5 billion to fraud, a 25% jump from the previous year. Nearly 6.5 million complaints were filed with the FTC, including 1.1 million cases of identity theft. And almost half of U.S. shoppers (48%) say they were targeted by an online holiday scam.
That’s not a scare tactic—it’s reality. The good news? With the right habits (and the right gear), you don’t have to become another statistic.
1. Don’t Take the Phish
Your inbox is flooded with holiday deals and shipping updates. Hidden among the real ones are phishing emails—carefully crafted to trick you into handing over sensitive information. One wrong click can expose your logins, payment info, or identity.
How to spot them:
- Be skeptical of emails asking for personal information or urgent action.
- Check the sender’s address for misspellings or odd domains.
- Skip the click—go directly to the retailer’s site instead.
2. Two-Factor or Bust
Passwords get stolen every day. Two-factor authentication (2FA) makes it harder for criminals to gain access, even if they already have your password. It’s one of the simplest, most effective defenses you can set up right now.
Pro moves:
- Enable 2FA on banking, shopping, and email accounts.
- Use an authenticator app instead of SMS.
- Store backup codes in a safe place.
3. Shop Smarter Online
Not all checkout pages are created equal. Some are safe, others are designed to skim your details and vanish.
Keep it secure:
- Stick with trusted retailers.
- Look for https in the URL.
- Use credit cards or PayPal instead of debit for stronger fraud protection.
- Monitor your statements—fraud doesn’t always show up right away.
4. Update or Get Owned
Outdated software is a hacker’s best friend. Every update you skip is another open door. Developers patch vulnerabilities fast; criminals exploit the ones you ignore.
Stay ahead:
- Turn on automatic updates for devices and apps.
- Don’t ignore firmware updates (yes, your router too).
- Apply patches quickly when they drop.
5. Skip Sketchy Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it’s also a gift to cyber snoops. Criminals can intercept data on unsecured networks, watching what you type and where you log in.
Safer browsing:
- Use a VPN to encrypt your connection.
- Never log in to financial or shopping accounts on public networks.
- No VPN? Wait until you’re on a secure connection.
6. Lock Down New Gear
New tech gifts are fun—but also vulnerable. Without protection, they’re easy prey for attackers scanning for weak devices.
Best practices:
- Create strong, unique passwords for every new device.
- Install updates and security software before you use them.
- Review app permissions and kill anything unnecessary.
7. Carry Signal-Blocking Protection
The threats don’t stop online. In crowded malls or airports, digital pickpockets can skim your credit card or ID data in seconds—without ever touching your wallet.
That’s why RFID-blocking wallets are essential. They shield your cards and IDs from invisible theft. Pair one with an SLNT® Faraday bag to kill all wireless signals to your phone, laptop or key fob.