The holiday season is a time of joy, cheer, and, unfortunately, cyberattacks. As families and friends gather to celebrate, cybercriminals see an opportunity to capitalize on the festive atmosphere.
Here are a few reasons why cybercrime rises during this time:
- Increase in online activity – The surge in eCommerce during the holidays leads to an influx of data being transmitted online. From credit card details to personal information, there's more data to steal, making hackers more active.
- Weakened IT monitoring – With employees and IT staff taking time off, companies often have reduced cybersecurity oversight. Cybercriminals are aware of these gaps and strike when defenses are down.
- Letting down one’s guard – Phishing emails and scam websites skyrocket during the holidays. Many of these appear to be promotions, discounts, or appeals for donations. Employees may unknowingly click on malicious links while browsing holiday deals or checking work emails on unsecured devices.
- Pressure to close the year – Many businesses are under pressure to close deals or process transactions quickly at year-end. This rush can lead to skipping over security protocols or overlooking suspicious activity, providing hackers an easy route in.
A holiday cybersecurity breach can have disastrous consequences, ranging from financial losses to long-term reputational damage. Given the increased risks, it's imperative to be extra vigilant and take proactive steps to protect your organization this season.
Tips to spend the holidays free of cybercrime worries
Although the holiday season brings a plethora of threats, implementing the following key measures can help your business remain secure:
Strengthen authentication methods
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your business is to implement multifactor authentication (MFA) across all your critical systems. MFA requires users to provide two or more verification methods (e.g., a password and a one-time code) before being given access to sensitive information. This means that even if cybercriminals obtain login credentials through phishing or social engineering tactics, they would still need to fulfill the additional verification measures, making it harder for them to breach your network.
Be wary of phishing scams
Phishing emails are designed to appear like they’re from legitimate businesses, offering holiday deals or urgent notices related to year-end tasks. Train your employees to recognize red flags, such as misspelled URLs or unfamiliar email addresses, and encourage them to be cautious when interacting with unexpected messages. Providing regular cybersecurity awareness training can equip your team with the skills necessary to avoid falling for phishing schemes.
Update and patch all software
Software vendors regularly release updates that fix security flaws, and failing to apply them leaves your business open to attacks. That's why it's important to regularly review all your systems and see to it that operating systems, firewalls, antivirus programs, and other software are up to date with the latest patches. Make it a priority to establish a patch management process that keeps everything current, especially before the holidays, when IT staff may be out of the office.
Secure remote devices
With employees working remotely or traveling during the holidays, the risk of compromised devices increases. It's crucial to secure any device or other endpoints that can access your network, including laptops, printers, and smartphones. Use strong encryption to protect data being transmitted over public Wi-Fi, and require employees to access company resources through a virtual private network to create a secure connection. Implementing mobile device management software can also help you monitor and manage remote devices, enforcing security protocols no matter where your employees are working.
Back up your data regularly
Data loss can be devastating, especially if cybercriminals succeed in encrypting your files during a ransomware attack. Regular backups guarantee that you have secure and recoverable copies of your data if the worst happens. Make sure these backups are stored in secure, off-site locations and that they’re tested frequently to ensure they are working as intended. With proper backup procedures in place, you can minimize downtime and avoid paying ransoms to retrieve your data.
Partner with a trusted IT expert
The best way to fully protect your business is by enlisting the help of a tried-and-tested technology partner. From monitoring your systems 24/7 to managing threats in real time, a managed IT services provider (MSP) delivers a wide range of services and strategies to protect your business from costly cyberattacks. With their expertise and support, you can be sure your systems are in expert hands, giving you peace of mind.
Cyberattacks don't take a holiday, so neither should your cybersecurity. As Ontario’s top MSP, XBASE Technologies offers tailored cybersecurity solutions designed to meet the needs of your business all year round. Contact XBASE today.