While businesses prepare to wind down for Christmas, cyber criminals are gearing up for one of their busiest seasons. For CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) and IT leaders, the festive period often brings added challenges rather than peace of mind. With reduced staffing, a spike in phishing scams, and increasing ransomware attacks, the holiday season becomes a prime time for cyber threats, leading to heightened stress and burnout among IT teams.
The rapid adoption of digital transformation means that most business processes are now digitally exposed, increasing the risk of cyber attacks. Although these advancements aim to enhance efficiency, they have also placed significant strain on security teams.
Research from Gartner* shows that 62% of cyber security leaders face pressure to work during late nights or weekends, with 37% experiencing unrealistic expectations of their roles. The Christmas period often magnifies these challenges.
Why is Christmas a High-Risk Period for Cyber Security?
- Phishing Surge: Scammers exploit the season with fake e-cards, bogus delivery notifications, and fraudulent charity appeals, tricking employees into clicking malicious links.
- Reduced IT Coverage: Smaller IT teams during the holidays mean slower response times, while remote work adds further vulnerabilities.
- Delayed System Updates: Postponed software patches leave organisations open to known exploits.
- Supply Chain Gaps: The festive rush often results in security oversights in partnerships and transactions.
- Social Engineering Tactics: Fraudsters use the season’s goodwill to create urgent, seemingly legitimate requests that deceive employees.
“Cyber criminals are opportunists,” notes Matt Jones, Chief Defensive Security Officer at PureCyber. “They exploit the unique mix of distractions, absences, and goodwill that define the festive season.”
How to Minimise Cyber Risks This Christmas
PureCyber recommends the following steps to safeguard your business during the festive period:
- Staff Awareness: Regular training ensures employees remain vigilant, particularly against phishing attempts.
- System Checks: Audit systems to identify vulnerabilities, confirm backups are operational, and test incident response plans.
- Tighten Access Controls: Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and limit access to critical systems to essential personnel.
- Incident Response Planning: Define roles clearly and prepare backup contacts for emergencies.
- Engage 24/7 Monitoring Services: Managed security services can detect and respond to threats in real time, reducing the burden on in-house 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 Partner You Can Rely On
PureCyber understands the pressures faced by CISOs and IT teams during high-stress periods like Christmas. Their 24/7 Security Operations Centre and expert-led solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with in-house teams, delivering comprehensive protection without adding to their workload.
With continuous monitoring, businesses can feel confident that their systems are secure, even during the busy festive period. PureCyber’s expert-driven processes ensure businesses remain protected and prepared for potential cyber threats.
Don’t let cyber threats ruin your Christmas. Explore PureCyber’s simple 7-step checklist for festive cyber security or contact them to learn how they can help your business stay protected throughout the season and into the new year.