Thank you for being a Yale Cyber Hero all year long. Your quick instincts and thoughtful clicks help keep our entire community safe. As we head into the end of the year, here are three merry-and-bright cyber tips to help us finish strong.
Don’t let cyber-grinches steal your cheer
Holiday phishing is in full swing this time of year. Now is the perfect moment to lean on our familiar Recognize, Relax, Rethink approach.
Recognize: Unexpected gift confirmations, magical-looking discounts, or “your package is undeliverable” alerts are classic holiday lures.
Relax: Take a breath before you click. Scammers count on quick reactions during the holiday rush.
Rethink: Ask yourself if the message makes sense. If something feels off, delete it or verify through a trusted method.
Want a quick refresher? Visit our Click with Caution page for simple, friendly tips you can use year-round.
Keep your devices snug and updated
Use the same approach to keep your devices just as secure as your home during the holidays.
Recognize: Before heading out, your devices need a little attention. Out-of-date software is an easy entry point for attackers.
Relax: Take a moment to check for updates on your laptop, phone, and tablet. No rush, no stress.
Rethink: Ask yourself when you last updated or restarted your device. If it has been a while, give it that quick refresh so it is locked down and ready.
Celebrate smartly (a.k.a. spot those sneaky fake sites)
Holiday deals bring holiday impostors. Use Recognize, Relax, Rethink to keep your online shopping merry and safe.
Recognize: Fake websites often pop up with unreal discounts or last-minute “must-have” gifts. Watch for odd URLs, misspellings, or sites that feel slightly off.
Relax: Don’t let “limited-time offer” pressure pull you into a scam. Scammers love urgency.
Rethink: Before you buy, go directly to a retailer’s official website or search for the deal yourself. If a price seems too magical to be true, it probably is.
Wrapping it up with a cyber-safe bow
As we close out the year, thank you again for being such strong cyber champions for Yale. Your safe everyday choices truly make a difference.
Ready for more helpful info? Check out our newly released Winter Bee Cyber Fit newsletter: Don’t get snowed by cybercriminals. It’s packed with practical, people-friendly tips to help you stay secure all season long, both at Yale and at home.
Here’s to ending the year on the right cyber foot: warm, safe, and scam-free.
Happy holidays, cyber-heroes!
P.S. Curious how easily someone can be persuaded, distracted, or duped in the moment? Our brand-new social engineering video breaks it down in a way that’s eye-opening and totally worth watching.