This Halloween, Americans will spend over 10 billion dollars on costumes, candy, yard decorations and party favors.
And where there are treats, there are also cyber tricks trying to separate you from your passwords, data, and hard-earned dollars. Virtual vampires want you to buy bogus goods or reveal your personal information online. And it’s going to take more than garlic and holy water to protect your and Yale’s data and systems!
Spot these scams and stay safe this Halloween with a few simple tips:
- Look out for typos, grammatical errors, and unusual web addresses. Scam sites often look legitimate until taking a closer look.
- Beware deals that are too good to be true. Be skepticle if the prices are unusually low.
- Don’t get lured in by “flash sales” and urgent or limited time offers.
- Steer clear of online sites requesting payment by electronic transfer or cryptocurrency.
- Review the return policy on unfamiliar sites before purchasing. Legitimate retailers make returns easy, scammers don’t.
Want more tips to stay safe online this October?
Join the Information Security Office (ISO) in celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month. We’ve got new, engaging, and interactive activities to build your cyber fitness every week!
Here are three ways to take part:
- Wednesdays at Noon: Join us for an interactive game of Kahoot.
- Thursdays at Noon: Ask questions and gain new knowledge at our lightning talks.
- Listen to the Bee Cyber Fit podcast: Check out our first three episodes and enter to win a Bee Cyber Fit podcast prize pack including a YETI water bottle!