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NEED TO KNOW NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2025
Click Smart, Shop Safe for the Holidays!
Stay ahead of the hackers this holiday season! This month’s newsletter will highlight a few helpful tips to keep you and your family safe from scams.
Check your devices
Before shopping online, update your device with the latest security patches. Ensure your passwords are strong and unique and enable multi-factor authentication for extra protection.
Quick tips
- Keep devices updated. Protect your phones, tablets, computers—and even smart gadgets—by keeping their software up to date. Updates often include security fixes that help keep your data safe.
- Change default passwords. When you buy a new internet-connected device, always change the default password. Use strong, unique passwords for each device to keep your network secure.
- Check privacy settings. Before using a new device, review its privacy and security settings. Make sure you understand how your data is used and shared—and limit what you share to only what’s necessary.
- Turn on auto-updates. Enable automatic software updates on your devices whenever possible. Staying current ensures you get the latest security patches and support from manufacturers—helping protect against known vulnerabilities.
Only shop through trusted sources
Be smart about how you search online. Are you clicking on random ads or links in emails? Stick to trusted sites. If a website looks sketchy, it probably is.
Stay alert, stay safe.
Quick tips
- Trust matters. Before sharing personal or financial info, make sure the business is legit and well-known.
- Watch out for fake websites! Some sites may look real but are designed to steal your info. If you’ve never heard of it, double-check before entering any personal details.
- Phishing alert! Scammers often send fake retailer emails with “special offers” to steal your info. Don’t click links or share details unless you’re sure it’s legit.
- Think before you click. Only open links or attachments if you trust the source. Not sure? Type the retailer’s web address directly into your browser instead of clicking the link.
- Keep your info safe. Never share your password or personal details in response to unexpected emails. Legitimate companies won’t ask for that kind of info by email.
- Look for the lock. Before entering personal info, make sure the site uses encryption—look for “https” and a locked padlock icon in your browser.
Use safe methods for purchasing
Before making a purchase, review the website's privacy policy to understand how your information will be stored and used.
Quick tips
- Choose credit over debit. Credit cards offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards—and they don’t pull money directly from your bank account. When shopping online or using payment apps like PayPal, Google Wallet, or Apple Pay, using a credit card is the safer bet.
- Check your statements frequently. Holiday shopping means more transactions—so keep an eye on your credit card and bank statements. Spot something suspicious? Report it to your bank right away.
- Don’t take the bait. Be cautious with emails asking for personal info. Legitimate companies won’t request sensitive details like purchase confirmations or account info via email. If you receive a suspicious email, report it.
Got a new gadget?
New tech is exciting - but don't overshare. Threat Actors target smart devices, so take a few simple steps to protect yours:
Quick tips
- Change default passwords
- Review and adjust security settings
- Keep software up to date