The holiday season doesn’t just bring gifts, it also brings cyber risks. From online shopping to travelling, cybercriminals are on the lookout for any carelessness. Discover the most common scams and how to protect yourself easily.
Malicious emails (phishing)
Christmas promotions are the perfect cover for fraudulent emails. If you receive an email with an amazing offer, don’t click on it. Look for the promotion directly in the official shop. Don’t know the shop? Better avoid risks.
Smishing messages
A clear example of this could be fake messages from parcel delivery companies, which are increasingly common during the Christmas shopping season. If you receive an SMS with a link, don’t click on it. Use the package identifier directly on the company’s official website.
Fraudulent QR codes (QRishing)
QR codes are everywhere: menus, emails, posters. Cybercriminals can replace them with a fake one. Before scanning, try to check if the QR is manipulated, especially on physical posters. If in doubt, don’t use it.
ATM Skimming
We often need to withdraw money from ATMs. Remember that these are not free from the misdeeds of cybercriminals and could have installed skimmers or shimmers to copy your cards when you insert them.
BBVA cards incorporate many security measures that you can configure through the app:
You can turn off cards that you do not plan to use, and turn them on easily.
You can limit the authorised uses of the card, preventing it from being used for cash withdrawals at ATMs or online purchases.
You can prevent its use abroad if you do not plan to travel.
You can activate alerts to detect any fraudulent transactions.
Man-in-the-Middle public wifi networks
Connecting to public wifi networks, such as those in cafes or shopping centres, can be a risk.Cybercriminals can intercept your data and access passwords, banking information or private messages.
Always protect yourself by using private networks. If you need to go online, avoid making payments or accessing services that require you to log in with a username and password.
Bluetooth attacks (Bluesnarfing)
Do you use wearables such as a smartwatch? Keeping Bluetooth on all the time makes it easier for cybercriminals to access your data. Turn it off when you don’t need it and set your device as ‘not visible’ to others.
Viruses on public USB sticks (Juice jacking)
Out of battery in public places? Using unknown USB ports can expose you to malware or data theft, as cybercriminals manipulate these charging stations. Protect yourself by always carrying a portable charger or using a charging-only cable. If you must plug in your device, make sure it is up to date to make it more difficult to hack.
With these tips, your holiday shopping will be safer and you will enjoy the season without worry. Security is in your hands!
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