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Another holiday season is here – and scammers are out in full force. Since security pros can never really have a day off, you can expect to field at least a few questions about online security while spending time with family and friends at your holiday gatherings.

To help you prepare, we asked some security experts about the pointers they'd share. Most agreed that getting control of credentials and passwords is the No. 1 best thing consumers can do to stay safe online.

Then offer this proof: A Microsoft research team, for example, recently reported that so far in 2019, the team checked more than 3 billion credentials and found that more than 44 million Azure AD and Microsoft Services Accounts were compromised.

Ouch.

What else should your loved ones know? We've done the homework for you so you don't have to think too hard while trying to relax. Offer these seven tips, and everyone will be well on their way to a safer 2020.