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.
Holiday Season: 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.
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. Expect to see an uptick in fraudulent online shopping deals, fake election contribution requests, and even malicious holiday greeting emails.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Business from Hackers
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:
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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
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. -
Stay Proactive
Ensure your security policies are actively enforced, especially as employees access work systems from home or while traveling. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), data encryption, and strong password protocols should remain top of mind. -
Lean on Trusted Security Partners
If you’re unsure about the current state of your cybersecurity defenses or need support in bolstering them, don’t hesitate to reach out to 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!
