We love the holidays, and so do cybercriminals. It’s like the holiday spirit blows a wind of carefreeness on some of us that makes us just want to live and enjoy life without consequences. With increased online activity, from gift-buying to holiday greetings, the digital space this period is like a goldmine for cybercriminals. From November 18–22, 2024, UBA Plc held a Fraud Awareness Week, which brought together cybersecurity experts to discuss ways we can keep our phone numbers and SIM cards safe from fraud, especially during this holiday period. In addition to this, here are other things you can do to protect yourself online from the bad guys.
Shop Smart
Holiday deals are tempting, but some “too-good-to-be-true” offers may be just that. Fake websites often masquerade as your favourite stores with jaw-dropping discounts to steal your data. Always verify website URLs. Stick to trusted retailers and avoid clicking on random ad banners.
Beware of Phishing Emails and Texts
It could be, “Congratulations! You’ve won ₦1 million” or a fake refund message from “your bank,” which most certainly isn’t, scammers will try anything to lure you in.
Don’t click on suspicious links or share sensitive information. Always verify directly with your bank or service provider. If you’re not expecting the email or text, it’s probably fake.
Remember, UBA will never request your PIN or password via phone call, text or email. If you suspect any suspicious transactions on your account, please contact the UBA fraud helpline numbers, +234 02-012808 800 or +234 02-01280 8822. You can also email UBA’s Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC) at cfc@ubagroup.com.
Do Not Be Careless with Wi-Fi
Holiday travels often lead to connecting to public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes, and malls. But did you know these networks are a hotspot for cybercriminals?
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection. If VPN isn’t an option, avoid accessing sensitive accounts or making transactions on public Wi-Fi.
Use Strong Passwords
Cybercriminals thrive on weak, easily guessed passwords, especially during the holiday season when we’re busy multitasking.
Use a password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords. Better yet, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible for an extra layer of protection. You can also put a PIN on your SIM card to make it difficult to access your information in case of a phone or SIM theft.
Don’t Overshare on Social Media
We love posting about our holiday plans—where we’re going, what we’re buying, and who we’re seeing. But oversharing can make you a target for both physical and online theft. Be discreet with your posts. Use privacy settings to control who sees your updates.
Keep Your Bank Alerts Active
Cashless transactions are convenient, especially during the holidays, when you need to do a lot of shopping. This makes monitoring your accounts even more important.
Set up SMS and email alerts for every transaction on your accounts. If you see anything suspicious, contact your bank immediately.
This holiday season, let’s outsmart the hackers, one cybersecurity step at a time. By following these tips, you’ll keep cybercriminals at bay and focus on the joy of family and friends. Stay safe, stay alert! Stay alert, stop fraud!
