Protecting Your Business With Holiday Cybersecurity
Unfortunately, with today's technology comes an increased risk of ever-evolving cybersecurity threats. This makes it more difficult for companies to properly defend themselves from cyberattacks, increasing the need for small business IT security. As the holidays approach and businesses become more vulnerable, understanding why this time of year heightens risk is crucial.
Why do Cyber Attacks Often Happen Around the Holidays?
Holidays can be the most magical time of year for some people, but they can also be quite stressful for companies trying to protect their software.
Reduced IT Staffing
Cybercriminals exploit companies during the holidays, knowing that there is likely reduced operating capacity, or minimal people on IT crews, to monitor online threats. Due to the lack of vigilance, they will often launch attacks to infiltrate a business's system, particularly in the retail and e-commerce industries. Unfortunately, IT companies are stretched very thin with high-volume traffic, making them a prime target.
Distracted Employees
Holidays often lead to distracted employees who may overlook cyberattack threats. Your company is at a higher risk of phishing attempts, as employees often rush through protocols and try to complete their work before taking time off. Additionally, scams will rely on the emotions of your employees, utilizing tactics that prey on those emotions.
Remote Work
Part of protecting your business with holiday cybersecurity is understanding that with the ease of remote work also comes the dangers of unsecured networks. Awareness of these vulnerabilities prepares you for specific threats, which are especially prevalent at this time of year.
Top Cyber Threats During the Holidays
Every day of the year presents some risk of cyber threats for your business. However, to effectively prepare during the holidays, it's important to recognize which cyber threats become more frequent and how they might target your company.
Examples of Holiday Cyber Threats
Phishing attacks: disguised as charitable donation requests, holiday offers, fake package delivery notices, etc., that take advantage of increased online and donation activities, mimicking their communications.
Ransomware attacks: small and medium-sized businesses are at a higher risk of cybercriminals taking advantage of fewer staff on call and added pressure during this time of year.
Holiday scams: acting as fake charities, offering fraudulent gift cards, and other forms to steal money or personal information.
Tips For Protecting Your Business With Holiday Security
Holiday cybersecurity ensures your company is properly protected against cybercriminals, and there are some easy ways to counteract these attacks and keep your business protected!
Proper Training in Cybersecurity Protocols
An essential holiday cybersecurity measure to implement is thorough training for all employees on best cybersecurity practices. They should understand the risks associated with company data accessibility and be provided with the knowledge to protect the company against cybercrime. These employees should know what defenses are in place, your company's cybersecurity and computer policies, and current cyber threats.
Utilizing MFA, or Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication requires all users to provide additional information to prove their identity when accessing company data; this practice makes it more difficult to access your data by offering an extra layer of protection in case your password becomes compromised.
Automated Remote Backup/Data Recovery
Remote backup and data recovery are crucial for any business, particularly small businesses, to protect their data and ensure nothing is lost if a cyberattack happens. Utilizing this allows you to store an extra copy of data in an off-site, secure location, safeguarding your data and providing the ability to restore data in the event of a data breach.
Securing Your Wi-Fi- Networks
Securing your Wi-Fi network is possibly one of the easiest ways to protect your business during the holidays, ensuring employees are connected to a safe network when accessing the Internet through business computers. Businesses often use a VPN to encrypt internal traffic and a firewall to block cybercriminals from accessing potentially sensitive data.
How AesirTech Protects Your Business With Holiday Cybersecurity
Small business IT security is one of the most crucial parts of running a business, and cybercriminals aren't afraid to take advantage during the holidays. Protecting your business with holiday cybersecurity is the best way to prevent cyberattacks and ensure your company is safe during this time of year. Don't hesitate to call AesirTech today to ensure you’re protected - we offer the best IT security in the Roanoke area!