Not only is October the month of Halloween, but it’s also Cyber Awareness Month, hence why we’ve focused all of our articles on ways in which you can strengthen your cybersecurity. As the month draws to a close here are some tips on how to stay safe and avoid nightmare scenarios 365 days a year. 

Hackers love to don a disguise and use tricks to catch users off guard, so here are some tips on how to avoid falling for their latest digital horrors. 

1. Phishing phantoms 

  • Be wary of emails or messages disguised as event invitations, discount offers, or surprise treats. Hackers craft these messages to lure you in with a sense of urgency. If it’s unsolicited, give it a second look. 

2. Ransomware trickery 

  • Hackers send fake warning messages about security issues on your device, asking for immediate action. Remind your team that any cybersecurity alerts from our team will come directly from trusted contacts and always verify before clicking. 

3. Ghostly QR codes 

  • Halloween parties or seasonal marketing flyers may have QR codes, but scanning without caution can lead to a haunted URL! Verify the source before scanning codes, especially if they claim exclusive deals or contest entries. 

4. Social media hauntings 

  • Posts offering free gifts are enticing but could redirect to fake login pages or malware. Ensure personal information is kept secure by verifying the source before clicking links on social media. 

5. Beware the ‘Too good to be true’ sites 

  • Fake online stores pop up around seasonal celebrations offering massive discounts but only deliver a data breach. Check reviews and make sure the website uses HTTPS before making a purchase. 

6. Zombie devices in your network 

  • Old or outdated devices can be entry points for cybercriminals. If any of your devices are no longer needed or are out of date (3 years for a PC and 5 years for a server), disconnect or plan to replace them ASAP to avoid being an easy target. 

Stay safe and sleep easy 

Cyber threats are scary but you can help prevent nightmares by being vigilant, aware and prepared. Let’s work together to keep your data and network protected, avoiding frights and giving you a sound night’s sleep. 

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