It’s a good idea to be aware of security threats during the end of summer and fall. As you know, attacks from hackers and cyber criminals happen all year around. To protect your business properly, consult with an IT support expert. In the meantime, it’s critical to use antivirus software for all your company PCs and regularly use the latest security patches and updates for their software and operating systems. Below are three online and email security threats that will affect both homes and businesses the next few months.

Labor Day Phishing

Labor Day means increased traveling, and many will be getting their last taste of sunshine over this holiday weekend. Online transactions using credit cards will spike, and phishing emails and links will be used to steal. Online hotel scams will rob people of about $1.3 billion this year, using hooks such as huge discounts. Make sure to use only websites that feature an icon with a small lock and begin with https://.

Sporting Scams

There are many major sporting events during the late summer and fall, including the U.S. Open, Major League Baseball playoffs and World Series, and the college and pro football seasons. There will be a ton of pop-ups and emails selling all things related, including tickets and travel packages. Beware of opening an attachment or clicking on an advertisement from unknown companies and unfamiliar websites.

Election Year Politics

Americans will be especially interested in politics because the 2016 elections will involve electing the country’s next president. Modern day campaigning not only involves traditional media, but also the internet. Voters will be looking actively for news about the candidates. To take advantage of this keen interest, Clinton and Trump spam will flood inboxes with phish all over the U.S. Websites will have political redirects and ads intended to sucker the unaware into divulging personal data.

Alpha Engineering Business Support

Choosing an expert computer technology-support provider is an important decision for your business. Alpha Engineering Associates has been a trusted partner of many companies in the Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis areas since 1990 and offer:

• 24/7 Managed Services for Business Computing Systems
• Network and Mobile Computing Support
• Disaster Recovery Planning
• Software Development

For affordable client-focused network consulting services and solutions, please call Alpha Engineering Associates today at 410-295-9500.