Halloween is only a week away, but while you’re busy carving pumpkins and planning costumes, cybercriminals are gearing up too.
Just like kids go door-to-door trick-or-treating, cybercriminals go from inbox to inbox, device to device, looking for easy targets.
But don’t worry—by staying aware of the unique cyber risks that pop up around Halloween, you can make sure you and your family avoid any tricks in the digital world.
Here are six important Halloween cyber risks you need to know about and how you can stay safe.
1. Phishing Scams: Tricks in Your Inbox
Cybercriminals love to take advantage of the holiday spirit, and Halloween is no exception.
Around this time of year, you might see an increase in phishing emails disguised as promotions for Halloween costumes, party supplies, or even charity events.
These emails often include fake links that lead to malicious websites designed to steal your personal information.
What You Can Do:
Always be cautious about opening emails from unknown sources, especially those that promise deals that seem too good to be true.
If you want to check out a promotion, go directly to the company’s website instead of clicking on links in the email.
Look out for telltale signs of phishing, such as poor grammar, unusual URLs, or requests for personal information.
2. Unsecured Public Wi-Fi: A Playground for Hackers
Whether you’re shopping for last-minute Halloween costumes or grabbing coffee on your way to a party, using public Wi-Fi might seem convenient—but it’s risky.
Unsecured networks are a prime target for hackers looking to intercept your data, including passwords, credit card numbers, and personal details.
What You Can Do:
Avoid accessing sensitive information—like banking or email accounts—when using public Wi-Fi.
If you must connect to public Wi-Fi, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and keep prying eyes away from your information.
3. Malicious Halloween-Themed Apps
Around Halloween, you might see a surge in holiday-themed apps offering games, spooky sound effects, or fun photo filters.
But beware—not all apps are created equal. Some are designed to trick you into downloading malware or giving away unnecessary permissions, such as access to your contacts or location.
What You Can Do:
Before downloading any new apps, especially from third-party sources, read reviews and check the app’s permissions.
If an app asks for too much access—like your camera or microphone for a simple game—think twice before downloading it.
4. Fake Halloween E-Commerce Sites
You’re on the hunt for the perfect costume or party supplies, and you find a site offering exactly what you need at a ridiculously low price.
But wait—some of these sites are set up by scammers to steal your payment information.
Once you’ve entered your credit card details, you might never see that order fulfilled, and your card could be compromised.
What You Can Do:
Stick to well-known and trusted websites when shopping for Halloween items.
If a site looks suspicious or the prices seem too good to be true, it’s better to avoid it.
Always check the URL for “https” (the “s” stands for secure) before making any transactions.
5. Ransomware Attacks: Trick or Treat?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts your files and holds them hostage until you pay a ransom to the attacker.
Holidays like Halloween are prime times for ransomware attacks, especially when people are busy and more likely to click on unfamiliar links.
One wrong click, and you could be locked out of your own files.
What You Can Do:
Don’t click on suspicious links in emails, text messages, or on websites.
Always back up your important files regularly so that even if you fall victim to a ransomware attack, you won’t lose everything.
And make sure you have reliable antivirus software installed on your devices to catch potential threats before they do any damage.
6. Social Media Privacy Risks
Halloween is a time for sharing—costume photos, party updates, and spooky decorations all make their way to social media.
But oversharing can expose you to privacy risks.
Posting details about where you’ll be and when, or sharing too much about your kids’ activities, can make you vulnerable to real-world risks like stalking or burglaries.
What You Can Do:
Be mindful of what you post online, and make sure your social media privacy settings are locked down.
Avoid sharing your real-time location, and consider waiting until after events to post photos.
Also, be cautious about tagging your kids in posts or sharing photos that reveal personal details like where they live or go to school.
How to Stay Safe This Halloween
Halloween is a fun time for families, but it’s important to stay vigilant online.
Cybercriminals know that holidays are prime time for catching people off guard, so taking a few extra precautions can go a long way.
By being cautious about what you click on, where you shop, and how you use apps, you can avoid the tricks and focus on the treats this Halloween.
At Be Hard to Hack, we’re dedicated to helping you stay secure online no matter the season.
From phishing prevention to online privacy, we’ve got the tools and resources to keep you and your family safe from cyber threats.