Secure Your Holidays

SpiderSecure Scavenger: 2023 "Secure Your Holidays"

What? There will be 5 SpiderBytes out of the November to December SpiderBytes containing a unique hexadecimal code. After getting all 5 unique codes email them to infosec@richmond.edu. The first student, faculty, and staff members who submit all 5 unique codes will receive a CrowdStrike water bottle and winter hat.

How to win? It’s easy, just be on the lookout for information security SpiderBytes by Svetla Walsh.

Why? To learn how to “Secure Your Holidays” and win some cybersecurity goodies!

Timeline: Monday, November 27 to Friday, December 8th

Prizes: A CrowdStrike water bottle and winter hat

Tips to "Secure Your Holidays" and Have Fun!

November and December are fun, busy months when people are enjoying the holidays with family and friends. It is also a busy time for cyber criminals who want to ruin your holiday fun! Whether you are traveling or buying or selling items online this holiday season, keep the following tips in mind.

Travel Threat Protection (Additional Travel Info)

1. Use Secure Wi-Fi

   1. Use verified, secure Wi-Fi connections and avoid connecting to free public Wi-Fi.

2. Secure Devices

   1. Never leave your devices unattended and always secure them with strong passwords.

3. Research before Booking

   1. Research the legitimacy of booking sites before making travel arrangements.

Holiday Scam Protection

1. Beware of Phishing Attacks

   1. Always hover over links to reveal their true URL. If you’re unsure, visit the shipper’s website and manually enter the tracking number. And always use multifactor authentication for your accounts! Additional Phishing Info.

2. Spot Fake Offers

   1. Only shop from trusted retailer websites. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

3. Inspect for Card Skimmers

   1. If you need cash, use a machine that’s located inside a reputable bank or business. Inspect it for any signs of physical tampering.

Gift Shopping Protection (Additional Online Shopping Info)

1. Check Your Devices

   1. Before making any online purchases, make sure the device you’re using to shop online is up-to-date.

2. Only Shop through Trusted Sources

   1. Before providing any personal or financial information, make sure that you are interacting with a reputable, established vendor.

3. Use Safe Methods for Purchases

   1. If you can, use a credit card as opposed to a debit card. There are laws to limit your liability for fraudulent credit card charges, but you may not have the same level of protection for your debit cards.

Package Theft Protection

1. Require a Signature

   1. When placing online orders, at certain stores, consumers can ask that a signature be required upon package delivery.

2. Choose a Pickup Location

   1. Alternatively, you can ship your package to an alternate location, or set a pickup location rather than your home using services such as Amazon Hub.

3. Retrieve Quickly

   1. You can usually track a package, and if you’re away, arrange for someone to be home when it’s scheduled to arrive.