Don't have a nightmare before Christmas
25 Nov 2015
UK individuals and businesses lost more than £16 million to online fraud during last year’s festive season. Don’t be a victim.
The University’s Cyber security programme has been created to defend the University from cyber threats. However, it’s also important to keep yourself safe, especially at this time of year.
The run-up to Christmas is a criminal’s favourite time of the year to take advantage of the rich pickings offered by bargain hungry shoppers.
As it’s only a few weeks until 25 December, millions of people worldwide will be going online to shop for good deals so they don’t have to wrestle their way through busy crowds. However, it’s also a very profitable time of year for cyber criminals who set up fake websites and send out scam emails to catch people out.
According to the UK government-supported ‘Get Safe Online’ partnership, individuals and businesses lost more than £16 million to online fraud during 2014’s festive period, an increase of 42% from 2013’s £9.5 million loss.
Common items being bought and sold by victims and fraudsters are mobile phones, clothing, games consoles, computers and other electronics.
The latest edition of the “Ouch” Security Awareness newsletter from the SANS Institute contains some very useful hints and tips about how people can keep themselves safe while online shopping, including how to spot fake online stores, keeping mobile devices safe and protecting your credit card.
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