As we celebrate Thanksgiving and count our blessings, it is worth pausing to consider the role technology plays in our lives. Many will suggest to take time to unplug, but used responsibly, technology can be used to enhance our holiday celebrations instead of distracting from them. From staying connected with loved ones to managing holiday preparations, the digital world enriches our day-to-day experiences. But with that convenience comes responsibility—our gratefulness for these tools should inspire us to protect them.
Let’s explore some practical ways to express cyber gratitude this season and a mindful practice to ground our efforts.
Secure Your Thanksgiving Connections
The holidays are a prime time for criminals* to take advantage of busy, distracted users. Whether you’re shopping for deals or using video chat to catch up with family, make sure your connections are safe:
- Home Wi-Fi Checkup: Change your router’s default password to something unique. Make sure encryption (WPA3 or WPA2) is enabled.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi Risks: If you’re traveling and need public Wi-Fi, use a VPN to shield your data from prying eyes.
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on all of your
most importantaccounts, especially email, banking, and social media.
Protect Holiday Purchases
Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals can be irresistible, but they’re also rife with scams:
- Shop Mindfully: Stick to trusted websites. Look for “https” and the padlock icon in the URL – avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or social media ads.
- Beware of Phishing: Be cautious of emails or texts claiming urgent sales or delivery issues. Verify the sender before taking action.
- Secure Payments: Use credit cards or trusted payment platforms instead of debit cards for online purchases to add a layer of protection.
Back Up and Update
Before the holiday rush, ensure your devices are ready for action:
- Backup Your Data: Use cloud services or an external hard drive to back up important files and photos.
- Update Your Devices: Install the latest security updates for your operating system, browsers, and apps to stay protected against vulnerabilities.
Mindful Moments: Pause Before You Click
In the spirit of mindfulness, practice pausing before acting on any digital prompt. Whether it’s clicking a link, responding to an urgent email, or installing an app, take a moment to ask:
- Does this look legitimate?
- Am I rushing through this decision?
- What’s the worst that could happen if I double-check?
This pause can be the difference between staying secure and falling for a scam.
A Brief Mindfulness Gratitude Practice
Amidst the holiday bustle, take a moment to ground yourself:
- Find a quiet space and sit comfortably.
- Close your eyes and take three deep breaths, focusing on the rise and fall of your chest.
- Reflect on all the digital and organic connections that make your life full. Become grateful to each and every one.
- End with this intention: I am grateful for my life online and off, and I commit to staying aware and secure.
This Thanksgiving, Gratitude Meets Action
Let’s show our appreciation for technology by being proactive and vigilant. A little effort now can prevent big headaches later, ensuring we enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season.
What cybersecurity steps are you prioritizing this Thanksgiving?
*I originally was going to use the term “cyber criminals,” but they’re plain criminals. Let’s normalize crime as crime, on a computer or on the street.