As businesses prepare to scale back for Christmas, cyber criminals are ramping up their efforts. For CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) and IT teams, the festive season can bring an onslaught of challenges. With reduced staffing, an uptick in phishing scams, and increased ransomware activity, the holiday period becomes a prime time for cyber threats, often leaving IT teams overwhelmed and at risk of burnout.
Digital transformation, now a cornerstone of most organisations, has left nearly every business process digitally vulnerable. While this shift has improved efficiency, it has also heightened cyber risks, increasing the burden on security teams.
Research from Gartner* indicates that 62% of cyber security leaders feel pressured to work evenings or weekends, with 37% facing unrealistic job demands. The festive rush only compounds these pressures.
Why Is Christmas a High-Risk Period for Cyber Attacks?
- Phishing Scams: Seasonal scams such as fake e-cards, delivery notifications, and fraudulent charity requests lure employees into clicking malicious links.
- Skeleton IT Teams: Reduced staffing creates delays in addressing incidents, while remote work introduces more vulnerabilities.
- Outdated Systems: Deferred software updates leave organisations exposed to known exploits.
- Supply Chain Weaknesses: Holiday pressures can lead to security gaps in transactions with suppliers and partners.
- Social Engineering Attacks: Fraudsters exploit the distractions of the season, using urgent and plausible requests to trick employees.
“Cyber criminals are opportunists,” says Matt Jones, Chief Defensive Security Officer at PureCyber. “They exploit the unique mix of distractions, absences, and goodwill that define the festive season.”
Protecting Your Business During the Festive Season
PureCyber recommends these strategies to mitigate risks:
- Staff Training: Conduct regular sessions to reinforce vigilance, especially against phishing threats.
- Audit Systems: Identify vulnerabilities, confirm backups are operational, and test incident response plans.
- Strengthen Access Controls: Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and restrict critical systems to essential staff.
- Plan for Incidents: Clearly define response roles and prepare backup contacts for emergencies.
- Use Managed Security Services: Employ 24/7 monitoring to detect and respond to threats in real time, reducing strain on internal teams.
“These measures create a robust defence, not just for the festive season but throughout the year,” says Jon Stock, Chief Information Risk Officer at PureCyber. “Engaging your employees and implementing strong processes are key to reducing your risk.”
A Trusted Cyber Security Partner
PureCyber is dedicated to supporting CISOs and IT teams through their 24/7 Security Operations Centre and expert-led solutions. Their services integrate effortlessly with internal teams, providing thorough protection without increasing workload.
With round-the-clock monitoring, businesses can be confident that their systems are protected, even during the hectic holiday season. PureCyber’s expert-designed processes ensure businesses can navigate Christmas securely and with peace of mind.
Don’t let cyber threats disrupt your festive plans. Check out PureCyber’s simple 7-step checklist for Christmas cyber security or contact them to learn how they can help protect your business during the holidays and beyond.
