Santa might be getting ready to say “Ho-ho-ho!”, but cybercriminals are gearing up to capitalize on our festive cheer and lowered defenses. As an IT and cybersecurity provider, it’s our duty to warn businesses to be extra vigilant during the holiday season.
We understand there’s a lot on your plate: the in-laws are coming, school’s out, and you’re scrambling to get presents on time. With all these life “distractions,” it’s easy to let your guard down, forgetting that cybercriminals are waiting for the perfect moment to infiltrate systems, steal information, and launch phishing attacks, ransomware, and other threats that are far from Santa’s gifts.
With the holidays just around the corner, we’re expecting a significant uptick in cyber threats. If you’re tuned into the latest security trends, this won’t come as a surprise. However, it’s a timely reminder of a persistent reality: the human factor remains the weakest link in organizational security. Unfortunately, this vulnerability grows during the holiday season when employees are often distracted.
Why the Holidays Are a Prime Time for Cyber Threats
During this season of giving and joy, bad actors have their own set of “gifts” they’re eager to deliver: ransomware, phishing attacks, malware, SQL injections, and DDoS attacks, just to name a few. What do they want in return? Your confidential data, stolen credentials, and ultimately, a cut of your revenue.
The Most Common Holiday Scams Targeting Businesses
As a business leader, now is the time to be extra vigilant. Your employees are likely juggling thoughts of holiday shopping, family gatherings, and vacation plans. Cybercriminals know this and craft phishing campaigns to exploit these distractions.
Here is what to expect:
1. Fake Invoices and Purchase Orders
Cyber criminals often send realistic-looking invoices for “holiday supplies” or “client gifts.” They spoof known vendors or even internal executives, hoping someone rushes to pay before the holidays. Always verify any payment or purchase request through a known contact or system.
Advice: Better call to confirm!
2. Phishing Emails in Disguise
Season’s greetings emails or online “holiday cards” may look friendly, but often hide malicious links or attachments.
Advice: Remind your team to hover over links, double-check the sender, and never open unexpected attachments, even if they look festive.
3. Gift Card Scams
A common trick this time of year: fake emails that appear to come from a manager or executive asking someone to buy gift cards “for employees” or “for clients.” If it feels off, it probably is.
Advice: Always confirm through another channel before acting.
4. Delivery and Shipping Scams
Hackers love to mimic shipping companies like FedEx or UPS, sending fake tracking updates that lead to phishing sites or malware.
Advice: If your business ships or receives a lot of packages, verify all notifications directly on the carrier’s website.
5. Charity and Donation Scams
The spirit of giving makes this one particularly effective. Scammers pose as charities or launch fake fundraising campaigns to collect credit card or personal information.
Advice: Check every organization’s legitimacy before donating.
How to Protect Your Business from Cyber Threats
So, how do you keep your company safe while everyone else is decking the halls? We recommend taking the “Security Sandwich” approach. Here are a few steps:
- Ramp Up Security Awareness
Remind your teams about the increased risk of phishing scams during the holidays. Regular communication and training on the latest cyber threats can go a long way in minimizing human error. - Implement Real-Time Monitoring (MDR)
If you don’t already have robust monitoring tools in place, now is the time to invest. Real-time breach detection can mean the difference between a contained threat and a full-blown disaster. - Use Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
With Multi-factor authentication (MFA) in place, hacking is MUCH more difficult, and as hackers do, they will move on to a victim who is less diligent. - Get Cyberinsurance and Meet Its Requirements If you don’t have cyber insurance yet, it’s time to consider it. Just make sure you’ve implemented the safeguards your policy requires, otherwise, a claim could be denied when you need it most. If you’re unsure about the current state of your cybersecurity defenses or need support , don’t hesitate to reach out to reliable experts. At Waident, we’re here to ensure your business stays secure, so you can enjoy the holidays without losing sleep over cyber threats.
Wrap It Up: Plan Now, Sleep Easy Later
This holiday season, you’re focused on giving, but cybercriminals are focused on taking. Don’t let your guard down just because it’s the “most wonderful time of the year.” Keep security at the forefront of your holiday planning and ensure your team is prepared for the inevitable uptick in attacks.
If you need help implementing or enhancing your cybersecurity strategy, reach out to us. Waident has your back, so you can enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.
Stay warm, stay secure, and happy holidays!
