Today, there is a hacker attack every 39 seconds. That spells trouble for any business, but particularly during the holidays, when vacations often cause understaffing on your IT team.
Cybercriminals know companies may be stretched thin during this period, making them prime attack targets. Prepping your IT department for holiday threats is crucial to protect your business from data breaches, ransomware, and other cyber risks. Here’s how to ensure your IT team is ready to defend your company during the busiest time of year.
Identify Seasonal Threats
The holiday season often brings with it a specific set of cybersecurity challenges. Phishing attacks and malware campaigns typically spike during this time as cyber criminals take advantage of the increased volume of email communication and transactions. Your IT department should be on high alert for phishing emails disguised as holiday promotions, end-of-year deals, or fake requests from senior management.
In addition to phishing, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks may increase, especially if your business deals with e-commerce. Hackers may target your website to disrupt service, leading to downtime and lost revenue. Quickly identifying these potential threats helps your IT team prioritize their security efforts.
Update and Patch All Systems
Keeping your systems up-to-date is one of cybersecurity’s most basic but essential steps. Before the holiday rush begins, patch and update all software, hardware, and applications. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated systems, so ensure that your IT department has completed all necessary patches to close security gaps.
Your IT team should schedule regular updates and patches during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions. By staying proactive with updates, you can reduce the risk of cyberattacks during the holidays.
Increase Network Monitoring
Your IT department should increase its network monitoring efforts during the holiday season. With the rise in online traffic and digital transactions, there is a greater risk of unauthorized access and suspicious activity. 24/7 network monitoring will allow your IT team to detect and respond to potential threats in real time.
Advanced threat detection tools, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), can help your IT department avoid cybercriminals. By continuously monitoring for unusual behavior, they can swiftly mitigate any risks before they escalate into major incidents.
Educate Employees on Holiday Scams
Employees are often the first line of defense when it comes to cybersecurity. Unfortunately, they are also one of the most vulnerable cyberattack entry points. To safeguard your business during the holidays, it’s essential to provide ongoing cybersecurity training for all employees.
Educate your team about the increase in phishing scams and social engineering attacks during the holiday season. Encourage them to be cautious about opening suspicious emails, clicking on unfamiliar links, or sharing sensitive information without verification. The more vigilant your employees are, the less likely they will fall victim to a cyberattack.
Implement Strong Access Controls
Another critical step in preparing for holiday threats is to review and tighten access controls across your systems. Your IT department should ensure that only authorized personnel can access sensitive information and critical systems. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong password policies can add extra protection against unauthorized access.
In addition, user access permissions must be reviewed, and any outdated or unnecessary accounts must be removed. Dormant or inactive accounts are a favorite target for cybercriminals looking to exploit security vulnerabilities. Ensuring that your access controls are up to date will help reduce the risk of data breaches during the holiday season.
Have a Response Plan in Place
Despite your best efforts to prevent attacks, it’s essential to have a well-defined incident response plan in place. This plan should outline the steps your IT department will take in the event of a cybersecurity breach, including how to contain the threat, minimize damage, and recover lost data.
Review and update your incident response plan regularly with your IT team to ensure it reflects the latest security protocols and emerging threats. Testing your plan through simulated attacks or drills can help your team respond more effectively in a real-life scenario.
Staff Up Your Cybersecurity Safety Net
The holiday season can be hectic for businesses, but it’s also a prime time for cyber threats. With the right preparation, your IT team can enjoy a secure holiday season without compromising your business’s operations or reputation. ADD STAFF can help by providing temporary IT talent to shore up your defenses. Contact us to find out more.
