Phishing attacks often rise during the holidays, as cybercriminals use holiday-themed messages to lure employees into clicking on malicious links or downloading harmful attachments. Here’s how to spot these scams:

• Be Cautious of Urgent Holiday Deals: Emails or messages with urgent holiday offers or last-minute discounts can be phishing attempts. Always verify the sender’s address and avoid clicking links or downloading attachments if you’re unsure.
• Look Out for Fake Seasonal Greetings: Scammers may send “season’s greetings” or “holiday gift” emails that contain malicious links. Treat unexpected messages with caution, especially if they’re from unfamiliar sources.
• Suspicious HR Communications: Around the holidays, employees may receive notifications about end-of-year benefits or Paid Time Off (PTO) requests. Cybercriminals often exploit this by sending fake HR emails to trick recipients into providing personal information or credentials. Instruct your staff to verify such communications directly with HR.

Tip: Regularly remind your team to report any suspicious emails or messages to IT or management before interacting with them.