The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. However, it is also a period of increased risk for cyber attacks. Cyber criminals know many businesses are less careful and more open to attack during this time. They take advantage by launching ransomware, phishing, and other scams.
Holiday Cyber Attack Trends
According to a report by Darktrace, a global leader in cybersecurity AI, ransomware attacks rose by 30% during the holiday season every year from 2018 to 2020. Recent data shows this increase might reach as much as 70%. Cyber attacks can cause serious harm, such as data loss, damage to your reputation, money loss, and legal troubles.
How to Protect Your Business
It is very important to protect your systems, data, and staff from cyber threats. Here are some tips to keep your business safe online during the holidays:
- Use strong, unique passwords: Make sure all employees and users have strong and different passwords for their email and accounts. These passwords protect many business accounts. If they are hacked, criminals can steal sensitive data and cause damage. Remind everyone to change passwords before the holiday break.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA): 2FA adds extra security by asking for a code or approval from another device after entering the password. Even if someone steals a password, they cannot get into the account. This is especially important when more people work from home during the holidays.
- Keep software updated: Always install the latest updates on your devices. These updates fix security problems that hackers can use to attack you. Staying updated lowers the chance of malware and data leaks. Also, check your security service contracts and renewals to avoid gaps.
- Backup your data: Before you close for Christmas, back up all important information. If ransomware or attacks lock or delete data, backups can save you from losing vital files or paying ransoms.
- Secure your local network: Your router, modem, and wireless devices can be targets. Change default passwords and device names, update firmware often, enable encryption, and switch off remote access. Use firewalls to block bad traffic and scanners to find unknown devices.
We want everyone to enjoy a safe and happy Christmas without worrying about cyber attacks. If you need help or advice on cybersecurity, please contact one of our experts today.
