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No matter how much we plan in advance, mistakes during the holiday season are bound to happen.

But alongside the traditional Christmas mishaps, one thing we want everyone to avoid is their data being compromised.

Image of long table set for Christmas dinner

The best way to deal with this is to avoid it happening in the first place.

Using one of the best VPNs is a great place to start.

You should also be adopting good online security habits.

Graphic of VPN encryption

Familiarise yourself with common red flags and scam tactics.

If you receive a link asking you to input your personal information or payment details, proceed with caution.

This is such an important step in protecting yourself from data leaks, and should not be overlooked.

Screen graphic showing data breach warning

A variety of VPN providers include a password manager in their plans, including NordVPN’sNordPass, andExpressVPN’s Keys.

Gifted a data leak?

But what if Santahasdelivered you a data leak this year?

Two women arguing at Christmas

Despite all the protection, it can happen but there are ways to mitigate its effects.

Top VPN provider NordVPN offersNordProtectas part of its Prime plan, and ExpressVPN offersIdentity Defender.

NordProtect includes up to $100,000 in cyber extortion protection, while Identity Defender includes Data Removal.

Woman basting Christmas turkey

This tool scans for, and requests removal of, any personal information collected by data brokers.

Incogni continuously repeats this cycle to ensure your data remains protected, and is included inSurfshark’s One+ plan.

Family arguments?

A person typing on a computer while hackers use phishing to steal a file from their computer

Everyone’s family is different, so what is suggested here may not work for you.

It’s a stressful time of year and people are just trying their best.

Try and think before you speak.

Black and white photo of a woman, with her eyes obscured by pixels

Pausing and counting to 10 is a good way of diffusing an argument.

Finally, it’s the elephant in the room, but try not to drink too much.

Nothing good is ever achieved with poor planning and preparation, so let’s start there.

mobile security

First off, preheat your oven to 325F (approx 165C).

Once the turkey is dry, you’ll want to season it up.

This should create a nice mixture you’re able to then rub under and over the turkey skin.

Surfshark graphic of 2024 data breaches

Be careful not to tear the skin when doing this, and ensure the whole turkey is evenly covered.

Once stuffed, tie the legs together and tuck in the wings.

Now it’s time for roasting.

Graphic of smartphone with cybersecurity shield

Place your turkey in a sizeable roasting pan, and cover loosely with aluminum foil.

Once rested, carefully carve the turkey, serve, and enjoy!

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses.

A person typing on a laptop with warning messages displayed on screen

For example: 1.

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).

Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.

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We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services.

Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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iPhone 16 Pro Max, Galaxy S25 Ultra and Pixel 9 Pro

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