The holiday season is full of cheer—but for cybercriminals, it’s also a time of opportunity. With businesses closing for extended periods and employees distracted by festivities, it’s prime time for hackers to strike. Whether your company is shutting down for the holidays or operating with reduced staff, there are simple steps you can take to keep your business safe. Here’s what you need to know to protect your business during the holidays.
1. Watch Out for Holiday-Themed Scams: Cybercriminals love using holiday-related phishing scams to trick people. Fake shipping notifications, holiday sale alerts, or even charity donation requests may land in your inbox.
What You Can Do:
- Remind your team to think twice before clicking links in unexpected emails.
- Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect accounts even if passwords are compromised.
- Partner with your IT provider to implement email filtering that catches suspicious messages before they reach your employees.
2. Secure Your Systems Before You Close: If your business is shutting down for the holidays, don’t leave your IT systems vulnerable. Cybercriminals know that fewer people watching means fewer roadblocks for them.
What You Can Do:
- Ensure all software, firewalls, and security systems are updated before closing. Outdated systems are easier to exploit.
- Set up alerts to monitor unusual activity, like login attempts outside normal hours.
- Consider working with your IT provider to set up a managed monitoring service that keeps an eye on your systems 24/7, even when you’re out of the office.
3. Educate Your Employees: It’s not just the tech that needs protecting—it’s your people too. A quick refresher on cybersecurity can go a long way.
What You Can Do:
- Share tips about avoiding holiday scams and creating strong passwords.
- Remind employees to log out of systems and devices when they’re not working.
- Host a quick cybersecurity workshop before the holidays (your IT provider can help with this).
4. Plan for Remote Work Security: If your employees will be working remotely during the holidays, ensure they’re doing so securely.
What You Can Do:
- Require the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for remote access to your systems.
- Remind employees not to use public Wi-Fi for work tasks without using a secure connection.
- Verify that any personal devices being used for work comply with your security policies.
5. Prepare for a Quick Recovery: Even with precautions, things can still go wrong. A clear recovery plan ensures your business can bounce back quickly in case of an incident.
What You Can Do:
- Backup your critical data before the holidays. If something goes wrong, you’ll have a safety net.
- Confirm your incident response plan is up to date and that key personnel know their roles.
- Work with your IT provider to test your recovery procedures before you close.
6. Don’t Forget Physical Security: Cybersecurity isn’t the only thing to consider. Physical security plays a big role in keeping your IT systems safe.
What You Can Do:
- Double-check that server rooms and workstations are locked before leaving.
- Secure any devices employees aren’t taking home for the holidays.
- Turn on security alarms and cameras to deter physical break-ins.
7. Rely on Your IT Partner: Holiday closings don’t have to mean sleepless nights worrying about your business. A trusted Managed IT and Cybersecurity Services Provider can help you stay protected while you enjoy the season.
What We Can Do for You:
- 24/7 monitoring to detect and respond to threats while you’re away.
- Regular system updates and backups to minimize risks.
- Expert advice and support to keep your team safe and secure.
The holidays are a time to celebrate, not to stress over cybersecurity. By taking a few precautions now, you can ensure your business stays safe while you focus on what matters most. Need help protecting your business during the holidays? Contact us today to learn how we can help!
