The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and generosity—but it’s also the busiest time of year for scammers, hackers, and cybercriminals. Online shopping spikes, package deliveries increase, inboxes overflow, and people are more distracted than usual. That combination creates the perfect opportunity for digital threats.

To help you stay protected, here are 12 essential tech safety tips from the iDefend Advisor team, written in the spirit of the 12 Days of Christmas, to keep you—and your family—safe throughout the holidays.

On the 12 days of Christmas, my iDefend Advisor told me…

1. “Don’t click links in unexpected emails or texts.”

Holiday-themed phishing scams explode in November and December. Fake shipping notices, order confirmations, and “problem with your account” alerts are designed to look urgent and convincing. Scammers rely on panic and excitement to get you to click without thinking.

If you didn’t expect a message, don’t click the link. Instead, go directly to the company’s website by typing the address yourself. One click is often all it takes to expose your personal information or infect your device with malware.

2. “Use strong, unique passwords for shopping accounts.”

Retail websites store valuable information—names, addresses, credit cards, and order history. If you reuse passwords across multiple sites, a single breach can unlock everything.

Create long, unique passwords for shopping and financial accounts, and avoid using holiday-related words like “Santa” or “Christmas2025.” A password manager can help generate and store strong passwords securely.

3. “Turn on two-factor authentication wherever possible.”

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second step—like a code sent to your phone or an authentication app—before logging in.

Even if a scammer gets your password, 2FA can stop them from accessing your account. Enable it on email, banking, shopping, and social media platforms, especially during the holidays.

4. “Watch out for fake deals that seem too good to be true.”

Scammers know people are hunting for bargains. Fake websites, sponsored ads, and social media posts often advertise massive discounts on popular gifts—only to steal payment information or never deliver the product.

Before buying, check the website’s URL, look for reviews, and verify the retailer independently. If the deal feels unrealistic, it probably is.

5. “Avoid public Wi-Fi for shopping or banking.”

Free Wi-Fi at airports, coffee shops, or malls may be convenient, but it’s also risky. Cybercriminals can intercept data sent over unsecured networks.

If you must connect in public, avoid entering passwords or payment details. A secure home network—or a trusted VPN—offers far better protection for holiday shopping.

6. “Be cautious with package delivery notifications.”

Fake delivery alerts are one of the most common holiday scams. Messages claiming a “missed delivery” or “address issue” push you to click quickly.

Carriers won’t ask for sensitive information via text or email. Track packages through official apps or by logging directly into the retailer’s website.

7. “Lock down your social media privacy settings.”

Oversharing during the holidays can unintentionally invite trouble. Posting travel plans or real-time photos tells criminals when your home may be empty.

Set accounts to private, limit who can see your posts, and consider sharing holiday memories after you return home. Less visibility equals less risk.

8. “Teach kids and teens about holiday scams.”

Young people are frequent targets for scams through gaming platforms, social media, and messaging apps—especially when gift cards, giveaways, or “exclusive offers” are involved.

Have open conversations about not clicking unknown links, never sharing personal information, and coming to you if something feels off. Awareness is one of the strongest defenses.

9. “Monitor bank and credit card statements closely.”

Fraud often starts with small, unnoticed charges. During the busy holiday season, it’s easy to miss them.

Check statements regularly and set up transaction alerts so you’re notified immediately of suspicious activity. Acting quickly can prevent larger losses.

10. “Update your devices before the holidays.”

Software updates aren’t just about new features—they often patch security vulnerabilities. Hackers actively exploit outdated systems.

Before the holiday rush, update your phone, computer, tablet, and smart devices. This simple step can block many common attacks.

11. “Remove your personal data from public websites.”

Data brokers collect and sell personal information like phone numbers, addresses, and family connections. Scammers use this data to craft convincing attacks.

Reducing your digital footprint by removing data from these sites can significantly cut down on spam calls, scam messages, and identity theft risks.

12. “Have a plan if something goes wrong.”

Even the most cautious people can fall victim to scams. Knowing what to do—who to contact, how to lock accounts, and how to report fraud—can make all the difference.

Having professional support in place ensures you’re not navigating identity theft or digital fraud alone during an already stressful season.

All of us at Invisus Wish You to Stay Safe—and Enjoy the Holidays!

Technology should make the holidays easier, not more stressful. By following these 12 tech tips, you can reduce your risk, protect your personal information, and focus on what truly matters—time with family and peace of mind.

A little preparation now can save you from major headaches later. Stay alert, stay informed, and let smart digital habits be part of your holiday tradition.