The festive period is exciting for businesses as they gear up for increased sales and customer engagement. However, it is also a time when cybercriminals are on the prowl, seeking to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive data. Businesses must proactively protect themselves from cyber crime during this busy season. This blog post will explore the risks companies face during the festive period and provide practical tips to avoid security breaches.
The festive period presents unique business risks, including increased online traffic, a surge in online transactions, and the potential for cyber criminals to exploit the holiday rush. By understanding these risks, businesses can better prepare and protect themselves against cyber crimes.
One of the most effective ways to prevent cyber crime is to educate employees about the risks and best practices for online security. Conduct regular training sessions to raise awareness about phishing emails, suspicious links, and the importance of strong passwords. Encourage employees to report any suspicious activities promptly. We at Aura use KnowB4 for our own internal awareness programme and for our customers.
Ensure your network is secure by installing firewalls antivirus software, and regularly updating security patches. Use encryption to protect sensitive data, both in transit and at rest. Implement robust password policies and consider implementing multi-factor authentication for added security. Companies like Barracuda provide the security solutions that potentially mitigate any cyber breaches by using eXtended Detection and Response throughout your organisation.
Regularly backing up your data is essential in case of a security breach or system failure. Use a reliable cloud-based backup such as Avepoint or offline storage solution to protect your critical business information.
Phishing attacks are prevalent during the festive period when cyber criminals take advantage of increased online activity. Train employees to be cautious of suspicious emails, especially those requesting personal information or payment details. Implement email filters to block known phishing attempts.
If your business processes online transactions, ensure your payment gateway is secure and PCI-compliant. Display trust seals on your website to assure customers of the safety of their transactions. Regularly monitor your website for any signs of suspicious activity.
During the festive period, businesses often use social media platforms to engage with customers and promote their products or services. However, monitoring these accounts closely for any signs of unauthorised access or suspicious activity is essential.
Despite taking all precautionary measures, a security breach may still occur. It is crucial to have a well-defined incident response plan in place to minimise the impact and respond swiftly to any cyber attack. This plan should include steps to contain the breach, notify stakeholders, and restore systems and data.
As businesses gear up for the festive season, it is vital to prioritise cybersecurity and protect sensitive data from cyber criminals. Companies can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach by recognising the risks, educating employees, securing networks, regularly backing up data, and staying vigilant against phishing attacks. Remember, prevention is always better than cure for cybercrime. Stay proactive, stay secure, and have a happy and safe festive season!
If you have included ‘Better Cyber Security’ on your letter to Santa then why wait for the 25th December, get in touch today. Our festive elves have the skill and knowledge to discuss your needs and requirements to make your organisation a safer healthier cyber secure environment.