With the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, security experts are cautioning against a potential surge in cybercrimes such as hacking and voice phishing. The increase in holiday-specific activities like gift exchanges, money transfers, and parcel deliveries provides more opportunities for criminals to exploit, requiring heightened vigilance.
The holiday season often sees a spike in large-scale transactions and monetary transfers, leading to a surge in malicious email and SMS attacks. According to the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), phishing and hacking attempts during the holiday season have risen by approximately 20–30% compared to regular periods over recent years. Messages such as “delivery delay notification” or “gift card offer” often lure victims into downloading attachments or clicking malicious links, resulting in the theft of personal information.
Security companies have also noted an increase in phishing attacks utilizing fake websites. Hackers create counterfeit sites mimicking the design of well-known courier services or e-commerce platforms, tricking users into entering payment details. These sites are often nearly identical to legitimate ones, making them particularly dangerous and convincing.
Voice Phishing on the Rise with Sophisticated Tactics
Voice phishing is another crime that significantly increases during the Lunar New Year. Scammers frequently pose as family members in emergencies or claim to offer “government holiday subsidies” while demanding money. According to police statistics, voice phishing reports during the 2024 Lunar New Year increased by around 25%, with total damages reaching 6 billion KRW.
Criminals are also using advanced technologies, such as voice synthesis, to imitate the voices of family members or acquaintances, further increasing the likelihood of victims falling for these scams. Strengthening communication with family and verifying money requests directly are crucial steps to avoid falling prey to such tactics.
Security Tips for a Safe Lunar New Year
Experts have outlined several practical security measures to ensure a safe holiday. First, increased caution is advised for fake courier messages and emails. For instance, messages like “delivery delay” or “gift card giveaway” should not be clicked or opened without verifying the sender. Unverified messages should be deleted or ignored.
Additionally, to combat phishing attacks via fake websites, always use official apps and websites. Carefully checking URL addresses and avoiding entering payment details on suspicious sites are key precautions.
Strengthening personal account security through two-factor authentication is another effective measure. This feature can prevent account hijacking and is readily available for many financial institutions and online platforms.
Lastly, immediate action is necessary when receiving phone calls from individuals posing as family members or acquaintances requesting money. Police recommend verifying the request by directly calling the person to confirm its authenticity, as this is the best way to prevent fraud.
Government and Corporations Bolster Holiday Cybersecurity Measures
To prevent voice phishing and hacking incidents during the holiday season, the government is actively promoting preventative measures. The National Police Agency and the Financial Supervisory Service have launched a joint “Holiday Cyber Safety Campaign,” while major portals and financial institutions display security warnings to users.
Experts warn, “Cybercrimes targeting holiday activities are becoming increasingly sophisticated,” but emphasize that “adhering to basic security practices can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim.”
