NEW JERSEY – As the holiday season approaches, the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) is warning online shoppers about the increased risk of cyberattacks. Michael Geraghty, Director of NJCCIC, emphasizes the importance of cybersecurity measures for e-commerce consumers to protect themselves against online threats.
Geraghty outlined several strategies to enhance online security:
- Email Caution: Shoppers should be cautious of links and attachments in emails, as they can often be gateways for cyberattacks.
- Social Media Ad Scrutiny: It’s crucial to approach social media advertisements with skepticism, as they can sometimes be fronts for fraudulent activities.
- Public Network Risks: Avoiding the use of public computers and Wi-Fi networks is recommended, as these can be insecure and easily compromised.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Wherever possible, enabling multi-factor authentication adds an additional layer of security to online accounts.
Geraghty stressed the importance of maintaining cyber hygiene throughout the year, especially during the holiday season when online shopping spikes. He cautioned that social media platforms are common targets for cybercriminals. Inflation and the urge for quick holiday purchases can lead consumers to shop from unfamiliar sources, increasing the risk of falling prey to scams.
The NJCCIC has noted a rise in social media scams, where cyber threat actors create fake websites mimicking legitimate companies, often promoting them through social media platforms. These scams can lead unsuspecting shoppers to fraudulent sites through malicious links.
To combat these threats, the NJCCIC’s latest annual holiday report, “Stay Cyber Safe This Holiday Season,” details common attack vectors and offers recommendations to safeguard against these risks. The report is a vital resource for consumers aiming to protect their personal and financial information from cybercriminals during this busy shopping period.