Summer has become the favorite time for cybercriminals. And it is that, cyberattacks increase by 30% at this time of year. In this way, they take advantage of the relaxation of security measures, less attention from users and increased online activity.
Among the most common attacks in these months, phishing, CEO fraud, identity theft and ransomware stand out. For this reason, from Secure&IT they have presented a series of tips to enjoy the holidays safely and without setbacks.
“The most common is the creation of advertisements or tourist accommodation websites that do not exist. The cybercriminals create a false web page, where they advertise the accommodation, with the aim of getting the victim to access it, enter their personal and bank details and even make an advance payment as a reservation”, explains Francisco Valencia, CEO of Secure&IT.
Security breaches in the search for tourist accommodation
During the summer, one of the most frequent cyberattacks focuses on scams related to vacation rentals. In recent years, the demand for tourist accommodation through digital platforms has experienced a notable increase. In fact, according to Webloyalty’s “Summer 2023 Report”, online sales in the travel category are expected to grow 30% this season.
Taking advantage of the rise of these types of online services, cybercriminals develop fraudulent websites that resemble legitimate accommodation booking platforms and offer irresistible fake offers to trick their victims.
The increase in Internet searches and the use of e-commerce, in summer and in the sales period, are some of the hooks that cybercriminals use to defraud users
To avoid this, it is essential to verify the authenticity of the website and look for reviews or testimonials from other users before making any reservation. In this sense, the cybersecurity expert also advises “to carefully review the legal notice and privacy policies, paying attention to possible “extras” hidden in the contract.”
safety in summer
It is important to be aware of the risks we face in the summer season. Therefore, it is essential to take into account the following tips to avoid setbacks this season:
- Investigate and verify: Always use reliable and secure platforms. Do a thorough research on the tourist accommodation and the booking platform before making any payment. Read reviews from other users and check the reputation and authenticity. In addition, it is also important to verify the authenticity of emails and websites related to the reservation, paying attention to grammatical errors or suspicious domains.
- Pay attention to the warning signs: Be alert for excessively low prices, requests to pay in advance or lack of detailed information about the accommodation or the products on sale
- Use secure payment methods: Choose to use secure payment methods, such as credit cards or recognized payment platforms, which offer additional protection in case of problems. Also, avoid sharing sensitive personal or financial information through unsecured emails or unverified websites.
- Check the security of the connection: When transacting online, make sure you use secure connections. Avoid public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and consider using a VPN to encrypt your data and protect your connection
- Keep your devices and software up to date: Regularly update your devices and programs with the latest security updates. Use reliable antivirus programs to protect your devices against potential threats
- Use strong and unique passwords: Create strong and different passwords for each online account you use. Use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters, avoiding the use of personal information
- Review the privacy policies and purchase conditions: Before making a reservation or an online purchase, carefully review the privacy policies and the general contracting conditions. Make sure that the company provides clear information about the treatment of your personal data and the shipping and return options
- Complaint: In case of suspecting that you have been the victim of a scam, it is necessary to report it to the authorities and collect evidence, including the advertisements and messages received
