A Holiday Hack - Keeping Your Data Safe with Redox's Security Team

“Good security habits should reduce stress, not add to it.”

The holidays are full of good intentions. We shop online more often, travel more frequently and rely on our devices in new places. That also makes this season a favorite for attackers who depend on distraction and urgency. This episode was designed as a simple holiday gift of security knowledge you can use in your everyday life. Our security team came together to share the gift of security knowledge that applies to your everyday life.

With all the online shopping that occurs during the holidays, phishing messages ramp up. People expect shipping notices, order confirmations, and refunds. The safest response is slowing down. When something looks suspicious, going directly to a trusted website instead of clicking a link removes most of the risk.

We also talked about how scams are changing. AI-powered voice cloning makes phone calls sound convincing, especially when they play on fear or authority. The best defense is planning ahead. A challenge question or safe word can quickly expose a fake call without escalating stress.

Everyday habits matter too. Using the same device for work and personal life can blur lines fast. Uploading photos, connecting to public Wi-Fi or working in crowded spaces can all create unintended exposure. Simple steps like separating accounts, being aware of who can see your screen and verifying network names go a long way.

Passwords came up often for a reason. Sticky notes and reused passwords are still common. Password managers and longer passphrases reduce risk without adding friction. They work quietly in the background while you focus on what matters.

This episode isn’t meant to create fear. It’s a reminder to be aware. Small adjustments in how we pause, verify, and protect our information can make the holidays smoother and far less stressful. That’s a gift worth keeping long after the season ends.

Episode Highlights

[0:00–2:17] — Holiday phishing scams and why “too good to be true” usually is
[2:33–3:53] — AI voice cloning and the rise of deepfake phone scams
[4:06–5:20] — Personal vs. work data and accidental cloud uploads
[5:35–7:05] — Shoulder surfing risks and protecting your screen in public
[7:23–9:26] — Public Wi-Fi safety, fake networks and VPN realities
[9:44–10:52] — Password managers and eliminating risky password habits
[11:12–12:34] — Passphrases, XKCD wisdom and stronger password strategy
[12:52–13:25] — Podcast update and what’s coming next

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A Holiday Hack – Keeping Your Data Safe with Redox’s Security Team