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Stay Secure This Holiday Season: Protecting Your Data from Cyber Threats
There’s no rest for the wicked, and the holidays are no exception. Hey, hackers have to afford the Black Friday deals too, right? Well, if they’re going to be getting into anybody’s data, let’s make sure it won’t be yours.
Even though cyber threats might see extra activity during the holidays, you can be prepared to protect your information. But why does cybercrime increase around this time, and what can you do in the next few weeks to stop it?
Why Cyber Threats Increase During the Holidays
Can you think of any time that people are doing more online ordering than during November and December? Especially with the introduction of Cyber Monday in the last few years, fingers are flying over the computer keys to get their orders in. With that increased activity, there are more opportunities for hackers to make a move.
Darktrace, a UK-based cybersecurity company, reported that ransomware was up 30% over the holiday season. Not only are people making more orders, but companies are also less responsive, especially during the week between Christmas and the New Year. Since cybercriminals know employees won’t be as available, they might take advantage of that time.
What Cyber Threats Do You Have to Worry About the Most?
The most common type of cyber threat over the holiday season is ransomware. In the same Darktrace report, researchers observed a 70% increase in attempted ransomware attacks in November and December when compared with January and February.
Ransomware is when hackers take control of your data and ask you to pay a ransom to release it. This is often spread through email phishing or fake pop-ups on websites, especially as companies try to entice shoppers with deals. There are also more opportunities for identity theft during the holidays. With the increased online shopping, there are more chances for retailers to accidentally leave your data exposed.
While you might think those situations don’t apply to your business, you’d be surprised. A study from Malwarebytes found that over half of employees use their work computers for personal purposes, including online shopping. While your employees are scouring the web for deals, cybercriminals are looking for ways to get into your data.
The holidays bring an extra layer of excitement and fun, but with it comes the risk of an increased cyber threat landscape.
Simple Things to Do This Holiday Season to Protect Yourself from Cyber Threats
With a few quick and easy changes, your security will be ready for whatever comes its way this year. Here are some of the most important things to do in the next few weeks:
Talk with Your Managed Service Provider
Talk with your managed service provider to see what they have planned for increased security during the holidays. Confirm that you have 24/7 monitoring services so you can be alerted of any suspicious activity.
Update Your Software
Make sure all software is updated and patched regularly. This includes your operating system, browsers, and any apps you use on a regular basis. Hackers constantly find new exploits when vulnerabilities are left unchecked.
Use Strong Passwords
Use strong passwords across all online accounts that include numbers, capital letters, and special characters. In addition, change your passwords on a regular basis to protect against brute force attacks.
Hold Cybersecurity Training
Hold cybersecurity training for all employees before everyone takes a vacation. Remind them of password policies and make sure they’re all using multi-factor authentication to stop cyber threats before they can start.
Practice Email Security
Keep an eye out for suspicious emails that might contain phishing links or attachments. If you aren’t sure about it, don’t click, and report any potential issues to your company’s IT department right away.
Implement Programs that Increase Security
Do a little bit of research into tools that make security management easier, such as Microsoft 365. M365 can help you detect phishing attempts and prevent ransomware attacks before they have a chance to spread throughout your company’s data.
Have a Relaxing Vacation Free of Cyber Threats With Stability Networks
Everyone needs a little time off to rest and recharge for the upcoming year. But cybercriminals don’t take holidays, which means your security can’t either. When you partner with Stability Networks, you can have complete peace of mind knowing that your data is protected no matter what cyber threats the season brings.
With our innovative security solutions, you don’t have to worry about attacks or breaches over the holidays. From on-site security assessments to ransomware protection, we’ve got you covered. So why not leave your security to the experts? Schedule a consultation to find out if we’d be a good fit as your managed service provider.
