McAfee reveals 'Twelve Scams of Christmas'

One of the world's most well-known producers of anti-virus software, McAfee, has revealed what it thinks will be this year's 'Twelve Scams of Christmas'.

Detailing the most important cyber scams the public and IT technical support staff need to watch out for, the list makes reference to a whole manner of potential attacks.

Cited by Wpsdlocal6.com, the list encompasses everything from fake mobile applications and smartphone malware, to jolly Christmas screensavers. McAfee's director of consumer product marketing, Gary Davis, explained how important it is to be aware of such threats during the holiday season.

"Cybercriminals rub their hands with glee when they think of the holidays," he said on Businesswire.com.

"Consumers are making travel plans, shopping for gifts and bargains, updating Facebook and connecting with friends. However, the vast majority have no security protection for their smartphones or tablets."

Some of the other threats detailed on McAfee's list included "phony" Facebook competitions, malware specific to Apple Macs, Christmas phishing campaigns and cyber criminals that target those away from home for the holidays.

Furthermore, it warned internet users of scams relating to gifts, online vouchers and mystery shopper schemes; as well as scareware. There is also an email scam floating about that tricks users into thinking their hotel transaction has not gone through properly; prompting them to input confidential details into a fake web page.

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