)Stay Safe Online This Christmas
The festive season is almost here — and sadly, that also means scammers are becoming more active. BizWise IT is reminding local businesses across Crawley, Gatwick, and the West Sussex region to stay extra vigilant this Christmas, as online scams and cyberattacks tend to increase during this period.
With more people shopping online, purchasing digital gift cards, and handling end-of-year invoices, it’s the ideal time for fraudsters to send convincing-looking emails. Phishing messages pretending to be delivery updates, missed payments, or special holiday offers are common, and they often contain dodgy links or attachments designed to steal your details or install malware.
There’s also been a rise in fake software downloads, especially through search ads. Cybercriminals create realistic copies of popular apps — including tools like Microsoft Teams — and trick users into installing them. Once the malware is on a device, attackers can gain access to company systems, putting data and finances at risk.
With many teams stretched thin or working remotely in December, scammers exploit the situation using social engineering tactics. These may include fake password prompts, urgent payment requests, or emails pretending to be from managers. A quick reply or a hurried click is all it takes for things to go wrong.
We recommend a few simple steps to stay safe: turn on multi-factor authentication, keep devices updated, and give your team a quick refresher on how to spot suspicious messages. Encourage staff to double-check links, avoid downloading software from ads, and confirm any unusual requests by phone or another trusted method.
Christmas should be a time to unwind—not deal with cyber headaches. A little extra caution now can help your business enjoy a safer, scam-free festive season.
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