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5 days ago5 min read

PROJECT: THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON (PART 8) - LATEST CYBERCRIME TRENDS

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Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing global threats, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments alike.


With its surge in online activities, shopping, and communication, the festive season creates

an ideal environment for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.

 

LISTEN TO THE VALUABLE INSIGHTS AND EXPERT ADVICE OF SAFETY AND SECURITY SPECIALIST,

MR MIKE BOLHUIS:

 

CYBERCRIMES ASSOCIATED WITH THE HOLIDAY SEASON:

  • SEXTORTION AND ONLINE BLACKMAIL:

    • Criminals obtain compromising photos or videos, often through phishing scams or fake relationships and threaten to release them unless paid.

    • Vulnerable individuals such as teens, widows, widowers and pensioners are the ideal target groups for scammers.

    • Social media activity tends to surge significantly during the holiday season as people seek connection and engagement.

    • For many, this period can also bring feelings of loneliness and isolation, prompting them to turn to online platforms for interaction and a sense of belonging.

  • IDENTITY THEFT AND IMPERSONATION:

    • Scammers use stolen personal information (e.g., ID numbers and passwords) to open accounts, commit fraud, or drain financial resources.

    • Online shopping and social media posts revealing personal details increase the exposure of unsuspecting victims.

  • SWEETHEART AND ROMANCE SCAMS:

    • Fraudsters create fake profiles to manipulate victims emotionally and financially.

    • Loneliness during the holidays makes individuals more vulnerable.

  • MARKETPLACE SCAMS:

    • Fake listings on platforms like Facebook Marketplace lure buyers with "too-good-to-be-true" deals.

    • The increased demand for gifts leads to impulsive purchases that work in favour of many scammers.

  • PHISHING AND SMISHING (TEXT-BASED PHISHING):

    • Fake emails or texts trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.

    • Scammers exploit the high volume of emails for sales, shipping, and delivery updates.

  • RANSOMWARE ATTACKS:

    • Malware attacks are incidents where malicious software is used to infiltrate, damage, or disrupt computers, networks, or devices.

    • These attacks aim to steal data, compromise system functionality, or gain unauthorised access to sensitive information.

    • Businesses are targeted as they close for the holidays, leaving networks vulnerable.

  • PUBLIC WI-FI EXPLOITATION:

    • Hackers intercept data on unsecured networks.

    • Heavy holiday travel often leaves individuals increasingly dependent on public Wi-Fi networks for internet access.

  • DEVICE CLONING AND HACKING:

    • Criminals replicate devices to steal information or engage in illegal activities.

    • Careless handling of devices in crowded areas.

 

SAFETY MEASURES:

  • GENERAL DIGITAL HIGIENE:

    • Regularly update software and devices to protect against known vulnerabilities.

    • Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

    • Avoid oversharing personal information on social media.

  • SHOPPING AND ONLINE TRANSACTIONS:

    • Verify sellers and platforms before purchasing.

    • Look for secure payment methods and avoid direct transfers to strangers.

    • Scrutinize emails or texts claiming to be from banks or retailers—avoid clicking unknown links.

  • PROTECTING DEVICES:

    • Install reputable antivirus software and anti-spyware.

    • Enable auto-backup for important data to a secure cloud service.

    • Lock devices with a strong PIN or biometric authentication.

  • PUBLIC WI-FI PRECAUTIONS:

    • Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or making transactions on public Wi-Fi.

    • Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure browsing.

  • SOCIAL MEDIA AWARENESS:

    • Avoid posting private details such as holiday plans, home addresses, or financial milestones.

    • Keep accounts private and monitor friend requests carefully.

    • Report suspicious profiles or posts immediately.

  • SECURE COMMUNICATIONS:

    • Avoid participating in questionable WhatsApp or social media groups that share sensitive or controversial content.

    • Think before responding to unsolicited messages or clicking on links.

  • EDUCATE YOURSELF AND LOVED-ONES:

    • Learn about common scams and share knowledge with family and friends.

    • Teach children and teens about responsible digital behaviour.

  • REPORT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR:

    • Contact cybercrime units like the SAPS or private agencies like the specialist SSS Cybercrime Unit.

 

Cybercrime is evolving rapidly, particularly during high-activity periods like the festive season.

Staying vigilant, understanding emerging threats, and adopting robust digital security practices are crucial.

By taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the benefits of technology while reducing your vulnerability to cyber threats.

 

RELEVANT WARNINGS POSTED PREVIOUSLY:

 

RELEVANT NEWS ARTICLES FEATURING THE INSIGHTS OF SAFETY AND SECURITY SPECIALIST MR MIKE BOLHUIS:

 

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.


How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

 
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
 

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -


EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.


STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.


POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv

 
SSS TASK TEAM:
 
 

Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:

Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services

PO Box 15075 Lynn East

Pretoria, Gauteng 0039

South Africa

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THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.

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