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12 cyberthreats to look out for as Christmas nears

SANTA CLARA/SINGAPORE — With Christmas just more than a month away and consumers on the hunt for bargains, security firm McAfee has released its annual list of 12 scams that consumers should beware of during the holiday period.

A man talks on the phone as he surfs the internet on his laptop at a coffee shop in a Nov 28, 2013 file photo. Photo: Reuters

A man talks on the phone as he surfs the internet on his laptop at a coffee shop in a Nov 28, 2013 file photo. Photo: Reuters

SANTA CLARA/SINGAPORE — With Christmas just more than a month away and consumers on the hunt for bargains, security firm McAfee has released its annual list of 12 scams that consumers should beware of during the holiday period.

The list, compiled after taking into consideration the myriads of cyberthreats the firm discovers and deals with daily, highlights some of the most popular ways cybercriminals scam consumers during the holiday season as they surf their digital devices.

Mr David Freer, Vice President, Consumer, APAC, McAfee, pointed out that many consumers turn to online shopping and use their digital devices to make their shopping as convenient as possible — “something cybercriminals are very much aware of”.

For instance, one of the 12 scams is the iScams, where mobile applications could be malicious and access the user’s personal information. Another instance is when users unintentionally download malware when sending or reading digital e-cards from loved ones.

“When holiday spending increases and consumers are aware of the abuse to their bank accounts and credit cards, hackers use this as an opportunity,” added McAfee.

Among the scams listed is the Bank Robocall scam, where consumers receive a phone call from a “security agent” in a financial institution, alerting the person that their account has been compromised and requesting for personal information to make changes.

Consumers are advised to conduct their own research to make sure the company they are buying from is legitimate, analyse apps before downloading, bank carefully and stay informed on the latest security breaches. Employers are also advised to educate their employees on how to protest themselves and their devices that have sensitive company information.

12 SCAMS TO WATCH OUT FOR:

1. You’ve Got Mail!

As holiday sales continue to migrate online, the risk for shipping notification and phishing scams are increasing. Though malware is a year-round risk, since many people do their holiday shopping online, consumers are more apt to click on a shipping notification or phishing e-mail because they think it is legit.

2. Deceptive Advertising

Dangerous links, phony contests on social media and bogus gift cards are just some ways scammers try to steal your personal information.

3. Chilling Charities

During the holidays, many people give back by donating to their favourite charity but be wary of fake charities that could reach you by email or through social media.
4. Buyer Beware

Point of sale malware leads to exposing credit card information. Make sure you check your credit card statements vigilantly and stay on top of breaking news to be aware and prepared.

5. iScams

Mobile apps, no matter how festive or official-looking, could be malicious and access your personal information.
6. Getting Carded

You might unintentionally download malware when sending or reading digital e-cards from loved ones. Well-known e-card sites are safe.
7. Holiday Travel Scams

Fake online travel deal links are bountiful, but there are also risks that exist once you arrive at your destination including spyware that can access your information.

8. Bank Robocall Scam

Consumers receive a fake phone call from an automated (or not) “security agent” saying your account has been compromised and requests for your personal information, including the password, to make changes.
9. ATM Skimming

During the holiday season, you need cash and are usually in a rush to get it. Criminals can access your information at ATMs by installing skimming devices to steal the data off your card’s magnetic strip. A video camera or keypad overlay may be used to capture your PIN. Look carefully at your ATM for anything suspicious and cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

10. Year in Review Traps

Many news services develop “Year in Review” articles. Links from phony sources could infect and compromise the security of company devices

11. BYO...Device

People are more likely to forget their phones in public places during the busy holiday season, and without appropriate security measures in place, hackers can hack into the phone and access sensitive personal information and business data.
12. Bad USB Blues

During the holiday season, gift baskets may be sent to your company and one of the most popular items in these baskets includes branded USBs, which may have undetectable malware pre-installed on them.

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