Why holiday stress is a cybersecurity issue

A hard-to-find gift is suddenly back in stock. A sale ends in five minutes. A delivery notification reads that your package is stuck in transit.

Different scenarios, same pressure: Act now.

And in the middle of the juggling act of work, travel and family commitments, even the most cyber-savvy among us might accidentally let our guard down.

Scammers take advantage of these moments with fake storefronts, too-good-to-be-true offers and fraudulent delivery alerts designed to make us react before we think.

And, let’s face it, when you’ve finally tracked down that perfect gift, the last thing you want to do is add another task to your list. But a little skepticism goes a long way.

Before clicking on an unexpected link, visit the retailer's or delivery company's official website or app directly. If a deal seems too good to be true, take a closer look at the seller before making a purchase.

A few extra seconds of scrutiny can save you from a much bigger headache.

The holidays aren’t just about shopping. They’re also a time when many of us feel inspired to give back.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals know how to exploit that generosity through fraudulent charities, crowdfunding campaigns and emotional appeals designed to tug at our heartstrings.

Don’t let that discourage you from giving. Instead, give with intention.

If an unfamiliar charity or donation request catches your attention, do a little homework before opening your wallet.  Search for the organization independently, use trusted resources like Charity Navigator to research its credibility and review guidance from federal agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission in the U.S., on avoiding charity scams. And whenever possible, make your donation directly through the organization’s official website rather than following an unsolicited link.

After all, the spirit of giving is worth protecting.

Technology is giving us new ways to take some of the work off our holiday lists. And with AI becoming part of more everyday experiences, even the way we shop is changing.

Agentic commerce is emerging as a new model where AI agents can help consumers discover, compare and purchase products.

Imagine having a trusted AI assistant handle some of your holiday shopping, from finding the perfect gift to comparing prices and completing a purchase. When your holiday list feels endless, that kind of convenience can be especially appealing.

But here’s what I want you to remember: Convenience shouldn’t come at the expense of control.

Before allowing an AI agent to shop for you, understand what information it can access, what purchases you have authorized it to make and when it needs your approval. Use trusted platforms, establish spending limits where available and keep an eye on transactions and permissions.