Cybersecurity Risks in the Summer: How to Stay Safe Online

June 19, 2024

Summer is a time for relaxation, vacation, and fun, but it can also be a time for cyberattacks. Hackers and scammers often take advantage of the increased online activity, travel plans, and shopping deals that come with the summer season. They may try to steal your personal information, infect your devices with malware, or trick you into paying for fake services or products. That’s why it’s important to be vigilant and follow simple tips to stay safe online during the summer.

Phishing Scams

Phishing is a type of cyberattack that involves sending fraudulent emails or messages that appear to come from legitimate sources, such as banks, airlines, or online retailers. Phishing aims to trick you into clicking on a malicious link, opening an infected attachment, or providing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details. 

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing

• To protect yourself from phishing, you should always check the sender’s address, the message’s spelling and grammar, and the link’s URL before clicking on anything.
• Avoid opening attachments from unknown sources, and never provide your personal or financial information via email or text.
• Delete and report any suspicious emails or messages to the appropriate authorities, such as your bank, merchants, or the FTC.

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files or locks your device and demands a ransom for their release. It can affect individuals, businesses, or organizations and cause significant damage, loss of data, or disruption of services. Ransomware attacks often target vulnerable systems, such as outdated software, unsecured networks, or weak passwords.

How to Avoid Ransomware Attacks

• Keep your software and applications updated, use strong and unique passwords, and back up your data regularly.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments, and use antivirus software and firewalls to scan and block potential threats.
• Do not pay the ransom if you become a victim of ransomware and report the incident to law enforcement.

Public Wi-Fi Risks

Public Wi-Fi is a convenient way to access the internet when you are away from home, such as at a hotel, a coffee shop, or an airport. However, public Wi-Fi can also expose you to various cybersecurity risks, such as hackers intercepting your data, stealing your passwords, or infecting your device with malware.

Steps You Can Take to Protect Yourself From Public Wi-Fi Risks

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities like online banking, shopping, or logging into your accounts.
• Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data and hide your online activity from prying eyes.
• Turn off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when you are not using them, and disable your device’s automatic connection feature.
• If you have to use public Wi-Fi, verify the network name and password with the provider, and use websites with HTTPS in their address, indicating a secure connection.

Cybersecurity risks are not limited to any season but can be more prevalent and harmful during summer.