Beware of Holiday Hackers

Hodgson Consulting & Solutions

With the 4th of July just around the corner, it’s time to think about fireworks, barbecues, and… cybersecurity? Yes, you read that right. While you’re enjoying your well-deserved day off and indulging in holiday cheer, hackers are hard at work trying to breach your company’s defenses. Cyberattacks spike during the holidays when IT teams and business leaders are out of the office, and the distraction of festivities along with increased workloads leaves organizations vulnerable. Here’s why this happens and, more importantly, how you can protect your organization.

The Rising Threat of Holiday Hacks

Why Do Hackers Strike on Holidays?

Hackers are opportunistic. They know that during holidays, companies are often running with skeletal staff, and security protocols might not be as rigorously enforced. Here are four reasons why hackers find holidays attractive:

Reduced Vigilance: With fewer eyes on the system, unusual activities might go unnoticed.
Delayed Response: Any anomalies or breaches detected may not be addressed immediately.
Employee Fatigue: Staff working might be distracted or less vigilant due to holiday-induced fatigue and cheer.
Understaffed IT Teams: Holidays often mean limited cybersecurity and IT staff are left to handle potential issues, making it easier for hackers to strike.

Recent Trends

In fact, cyberattacks can increase by 40% during major holidays. The most common types of attacks include phishing emails, ransomware, and DDoS attacks.

A Preventative Checklist for a Safe Holiday

So, before you head off for the holiday, take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. This is crucial, especially during holiday periods.

Here’s a checklist to ensure your company is prepared:

Update Security Protocols

Ensure all security software, including firewalls and anti-virus programs, are up to date. This will help protect against the latest threats.

Backup Data

Regularly back up your data and ensure backups are stored in a secure, off-site location. In case of a ransomware attack, you can restore your systems without paying a ransom.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Implement MFA for ALL employees. This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for hackers to gain access.

Educate Your Team

Conduct a quick training session on the dangers of phishing emails and suspicious links. Ensure everyone knows what to look out for.

Monitor Systems

Even if you're running on a skeleton crew, ensure someone is monitoring systems for any unusual activity. Use automated monitoring tools to assist.

Have an Incident Response Plan

Make sure you have a clear, well-documented incident response plan. All key personnel should know their roles and responsibilities in case of a breach.

Limit Access

Restrict access to critical systems to only those who need it. The fewer people with access, the lower the risk.

Communicate

Ensure that all employees know who to contact in case they notice anything suspicious. Clear lines of communication can make a significant difference in early detection.

The holidays should be a time for relaxation and celebration, not for dealing with cyberattacks. By taking a few preventative measures, you can help ensure that your organization remains secure while you and your team enjoy the 4th of July. Don’t let the holiday cheer and busy workloads turn into a distraction for hackers to capitalize on.

If you need help preparing for the holiday or want to learn more about protecting your organization from cyber threats, schedule a consultation with our cybersecurity experts today at www.hodgsonconsulting.com/discovery.

Enjoy a safe and happy 4th of July!

Hodgson Consulting & Solutions

A Preventative Checklist for a Safe Holiday

Share Post:

Connect with us