While the door for cybercriminals is typically open year-round, that opening is just a bit wider this time of year.
That’s according to Leticia Rust the Senior Director of Emporia State’s Cyber Research and Outreach Center who spoke with KVOE News about the dangers of cyber criminals during the holiday season recently. According to Rust, the stress and hustle of the holiday shopping season can often be the greatest tool in a cyber criminal’s arsenal noting that individuals are often less vigilant for signs of criminal activity this time of year.
Rust says the most common trend being seen at this time is the creation of “spoof websites” which are operated by cybercriminals looking to steal an individual’s information or money. Rust says when it comes to online shopping residents need to be mindful and watchful of tell-tale signs the site they’re visiting is not legit.
Rust adds that while cybercriminals are creative, sophisticated, and meticulous in their activities, they can often make the simplest of mistakes, including misspellings, incorrect graphics, or the use of outdated logos. Rust notes that most individuals will often fall victim to spoof sites as they tend to search for large glaring mistakes and not minor details.
During her interview with KVOE News, Rust noted that cybercrime is currently at “an all-time high” and only worsening with billions of dollars being lost each year to cybercriminal activity. Rust says the estimated worldwide cyber crime expense for 2025 is already at $10 billion.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a cybercrime or scam site, there are several steps to take, including checking bank statements and credit reports, freezing accounts or credit cards, changing all passwords of anything “remotely” connected to the criminal activity, and contacting agencies that can assist, including local law enforcement.
