
The holiday season is a time to relax and recharge, but for cybercriminals, it’s the perfect opportunity to exploit gaps in your business’s security. When staff is away and operations slow down, IT systems are often more vulnerable. In this post, we’ll explore strategies to keep your business secure during holiday downtime and protect against potential threats.
During holidays, businesses typically experience:
Reduced Staff Presence: Fewer team members are available to monitor systems and respond to incidents.
Slower Operations: Routine checks and updates may be delayed.
Increased Phishing Attacks: Cybercriminals target employees with holiday-themed scams.
Extended Maintenance Windows: Systems might be left unattended during planned updates.
These factors create opportunities for breaches, making it essential to bolster your defenses before your team heads out for the holidays.
1. Conduct a Pre-Holiday Security Audit
Before the holiday break, perform a thorough audit of your IT systems to identify any vulnerabilities.
Key Steps:
Check for Pending Updates: Ensure all systems, applications, and security tools are up to date.
Review Access Controls: Confirm that only authorized personnel have access to critical systems.
Backup Data: Ensure that recent backups are complete and stored securely.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to a password.
Why MFA Matters:
Prevents Unauthorized Access: Even if login credentials are stolen, MFA can block attackers.
Simple to Implement: Most systems support MFA, making it an easy way to boost security.
3. Set Up Automated Alerts and Monitoring
Implement automated tools to monitor your systems for suspicious activity while staff is away.
Recommended Tools:
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Detect and respond to threats on devices.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Collect and analyze data from across your network.
Automated Alerts: Set up notifications for unusual logins, failed access attempts, or system changes.
4. Educate Employees on Holiday-Themed Phishing Scams
Phishing attacks spike during the holiday season. Educate employees on how to recognize and avoid scams.
Common Scams to Watch Out For:
Fake Holiday Promotions: Offers for gift cards or discounts that lead to malicious sites.
Delivery Scams: Fake notifications from shipping companies.
Urgent Requests: Emails that pressure employees to act quickly, often impersonating executives.
5. Limit Remote Access
Restrict access to sensitive systems during the holiday period, especially for employees who don’t need it.
Best Practices:
Disable Unnecessary Accounts: Temporarily deactivate accounts for employees who are on leave.
Use a VPN: Ensure that remote access is done through a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN).
6. Have an Incident Response Plan Ready
Prepare a clear plan for handling security incidents during the holidays.
Plan Essentials:
Emergency Contacts: Identify who to call if a breach occurs.
Response Steps: Outline what actions to take in case of an attack.
Escalation Procedures: Define how and when to involve third-party security experts.
Final Thoughts
While the holidays are a time to unwind, they don’t have to be a time of increased risk. By taking proactive measures like conducting security audits, enabling MFA, educating employees, and setting up automated monitoring, you can protect your business from cyber threats during downtime.
Need Help Securing Your Business?
At Encompass IT, we specialize in helping businesses stay secure and compliant. Our team can provide customized security audits, 24/7 monitoring, employee training, and incident response support to keep your business protected year-round.
Don’t leave your business vulnerable this holiday season. Contact Encompass IT today to schedule a consultation and ensure your systems are secure during downtime and beyond.
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