Every year, as the holiday season approaches, we hear the warning: “It’s the season for cybercrime!” While it might sound like a cliché, there’s a very good reason this reminder is repeated. The end of the year is when cybercriminals ramp up their efforts, knowing that businesses and individuals are busy, distracted, and more likely to let their guard down.
This year, we’re revisiting a time-tested strategy for staying safe online: STOP. LOOK. LISTEN.
STOP
Expect the Unexpected
As we head into the busy fourth quarter, it's important to take a pause before acting. Here are key red flags that should make you STOP and think twice:
- Your Gut: If something feels off, but you can’t put your finger on it—STOP. Trust your instincts; our subconscious often detects threats before we consciously recognize them.
- Busyness: Cybercriminals know you’re busy. Don’t check emails or messages when you’re rushing. This is when you're most likely to miss subtle signs of a scam.
- Too Good to Be True: Scammers often lure you in with tempting offers like free gift cards or cash prizes. If it sounds too good to be true—STOP and think twice before clicking any links.
- Unexpected Communications: Sure, it’s open enrollment season, but is HR really emailing you at 2 AM? Is the President asking you to buy gift cards? If you get a message that doesn’t feel right, STOP. Always verify through official channels.
LOOK
Pay Attention to the Details
Before clicking on anything, take a moment to LOOK carefully at what’s in front of you. Cybercriminals rely on distractions and shortcuts to slip through unnoticed. Here's how to spot them:
- Email & URL Links: Hover over links (without clicking) to see where they really lead. Check that the sender's email address matches the official domain. For text messages, contact the sender directly through another method to confirm legitimacy.
- Grammar and Tone: Poor grammar or awkward phrasing is a classic sign of a phishing attempt, but with advances in AI, scammers are getting better at crafting emails that look professional. Still, watch for errors and inconsistencies.
- Timing: Pay attention to when the email was sent. An email from your boss or a vendor at an unusual time could be a sign of fraud.
- Generic Greetings: Be wary of emails that address you as “Dear Customer” or “Dear User.” Legitimate businesses will know your name and personalize their messages.
- Familiarity: Does the email sound like it’s from someone you know? If the tone seems off, or the request doesn’t feel right, it could be a phishing attempt.
LISTEN
Emotional Exploitation
Hackers know that emotions drive decisions, which is why they often play on our feelings to get us to act quickly. Here’s what to LISTEN for when reading suspicious messages:
- Threatening Language: If you receive a message that’s threatening—like your bank claiming they’ll close your account—LISTEN to that feeling of urgency. Scammers use threats to force you to act without thinking.
- Sense of Urgency: Messages that pressure you to act immediately, such as “sign this document now” or “change your password within 24 hours,” are trying to make you panic. STOP. LOOK. LISTEN before you act.
- Emotional Manipulation: Cybercriminals often exploit feelings of fear, desire, or even shame. For example, an email from your “IT department” telling you your company computer has been flagged for inappropriate behavior might pressure you to click on a malicious link to “view the evidence.” These messages are designed to exploit your emotional response and get you to act impulsively.
Final Thoughts
The holidays are a time for giving, but they also bring an increase in cybercrime. By following the STOP. LOOK. LISTEN. method, you can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and protect yourself and your business from falling victim to scams. This simple three-step process can help you make safer decisions online, ensuring you enjoy the holidays without the hassle of dealing with a cyberattack. Download our free STOP. LOOK. LISTEN. pop art infographic today!
Stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and always take a moment to stop and think before you click.