National Computer Security Day: Your Holiday Protection Checklist

Simple steps to protect your accounts, spot scams, and stay safe online during the holiday season

National Computer Security Day fell on November 30, and while it might seem like just another awareness day, it addresses a genuine problem. The date was specifically chosen in 1988 to keep computer security front of mind during the busy holiday shopping season, when people tend to focus more on deals than digital safety.​

The timing isn’t coincidental. This is exactly when we’re most vulnerable to cyber threats.

The Problem This Day Was Created to Solve

In November 1988, researchers at Cornell University discovered a virus called the Morris Worm spreading through their computer systems. Within hours, it had infected multiple universities and an early version of the internet. The incident demonstrated that digital threats could spread rapidly and cause widespread damage before anyone realized what was happening.​

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That crisis led the Association for Computing Machinery to establish National Computer Security Day, recognizing that awareness and prevention needed to be ongoing priorities. Today, the threats have evolved far beyond simple worms. We face ransomware that locks our files until we pay, phishing scams that drain bank accounts, and data breaches that expose personal information.​

Research shows that human error plays a role in 82% of data breaches. That’s not a technology problem. That’s a people problem, and it’s one we can address.​

What Seniors Need to Know Right Now

The holiday shopping season brings increased financial activity and, unfortunately, increased risk. Cybercriminals know people are distracted, clicking quickly, and entering credit card information on multiple websites.​

For those of us who didn’t grow up with technology, understanding digital security can feel overwhelming. But the fundamental steps are straightforward and manageable.

Start with your passwords. If you’re using the same password across multiple accounts, you’ve essentially given hackers a master key to your digital life. When one account gets compromised, they all become vulnerable. Creating unique passwords for each important account (especially email and banking) significantly reduces this risk.

Two-Factor Authentication: Your Digital Deadbolt

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, usually a code sent to your phone. Even if someone obtains your password, they can’t access your account without that second code.

While it adds an extra step to logging in, that brief inconvenience provides substantial protection. Most banking institutions and email providers offer this option in their security settings.

Setting it up takes just a few minutes and dramatically improves your account security.

Recognizing Scams Before They Succeed

Phishing scams have become increasingly sophisticated. These fraudulent messages often look identical to legitimate communications from banks, retailers, or government agencies. They create urgency (”Your account will be closed!”) or offer something too good to be true (”Claim your $500 gift card!”) to prompt quick action without careful thought.

The most important rule: don’t click links in unexpected emails or text messages, even if they appear legitimate. Instead, contact the organization directly using a phone number from their official website or a previous statement. This simple habit prevents most phishing attempts from succeeding.

During the holiday season, be particularly cautious about “deal alerts” and shipping notifications. Verify them independently rather than clicking through.

Device Maintenance: The Basics That Matter

Software updates aren’t just about new features. They patch security vulnerabilities that hackers actively exploit. Windows, browsers, and antivirus programs need regular updates to protect against the latest threats.

Setting your devices to update automatically ensures you receive these security patches without having to remember. The updates typically occur during times when you’re not using your computer, causing minimal disruption.

Backing up important files provides protection against ransomware and hardware failures. Whether you use an external hard drive or a cloud service, regular backups mean your photos, documents, and other important files remain safe even if something goes wrong with your primary device.

Taking Action This Week

National Computer Security Day serves as a practical reminder to review your digital security practices. You don’t need to address everything at once. Choose one or two actions to complete this week, then add more gradually.

Consider reviewing the passwords on your most important accounts: email, banking, and any sites where you store payment information. Check whether those accounts offer two-factor authentication and enable it. Verify that your computer’s automatic updates are turned on.

These steps won’t eliminate every risk, but they address the most common vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit. The goal isn’t perfect security, which doesn’t exist. The goal is making your accounts secure enough that criminals move on to easier targets.​

The statistics are sobering: in 2018, there were 80,000 cyberattacks per day, and 21% of all files remain completely unprotected. But these numbers also show that basic security measures make a real difference.