Why Holiday Cybersecurity Matters
The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and unfortunately, increased cybersecurity risks. As employees prepare for time off, shopping reaches its peak, and remote work becomes more common, cybercriminals ramp up their efforts to exploit vulnerabilities. Whether you’re managing a business or simply trying to enjoy a secure holiday season, these essential tips will help protect you and your organization.
Preparing Your Workplace for the Holiday Break
Before your team heads out for well-deserved time off, take these critical security steps:
Update All Passwords
The end of the year is an ideal time for a password refresh, especially for accounts that haven’t been updated in months. Encourage employees to create strong, unique passwords for each account—combining uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider implementing a password manager to help your team maintain secure credentials without the headache of remembering dozens of complex passwords.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a crucial second layer of security beyond just a password. Even if credentials are compromised, MFA requires an additional verification step—typically a code sent to a mobile device or generated by an authentication app. This simple step can prevent the vast majority of account breaches. If your organization hasn’t implemented MFA across all critical systems, now is the time.
Log Out of Shared Devices
Remind employees to log out of all accounts on shared or public computers before leaving for the holidays. This includes office workstations, conference room devices, and any other equipment that multiple people might access. A forgotten login session can provide easy access to sensitive information.
Report Suspicious Emails
Holiday-themed phishing attempts spike dramatically in December. Cybercriminals disguise malicious emails as shipping notifications, charity appeals, or holiday greetings. Train your team to scrutinize unexpected emails, especially those requesting urgent action, asking for credentials, or containing suspicious links. When in doubt, report it to your IT team.
Safe Online Shopping Practices
Canadians are expected to spend billions online this holiday season, making digital shoppers prime targets for fraud. Protect yourself with these guidelines:
Shop Only on Secure Websites
Before entering any payment information, verify the website uses HTTPS encryption—look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar and ensure the URL begins with “https://” rather than “http://”. This encryption protects your data as it travels between your device and the retailer’s server.
Use Credit Cards Instead of Debit
Credit cards offer significantly better fraud protection than debit cards. If your credit card information is stolen, you’re typically not liable for fraudulent charges, and the investigation doesn’t impact your bank account. With debit cards, thieves have direct access to your funds, and recovery can be lengthy.
Avoid Public WiFi for Purchases
That free WiFi at the coffee shop might be convenient, but it’s also potentially dangerous for online transactions. Public networks are often unsecured, making it easier for attackers to intercept your data. Save your online shopping for home or use your mobile data connection instead.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Check your bank and credit card statements frequently during the holiday season. The sooner you catch fraudulent activity, the easier it is to address. Set up transaction alerts so you’re notified immediately of any purchases made with your accounts.
Remote Work Security During the Holidays
Many employees work remotely during the holidays, whether traveling to visit family or simply working from home. This flexibility comes with security responsibilities:
Connect Through a Secure VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, protecting sensitive business data even when you’re working from an unfamiliar location. If your organization provides VPN access, make sure it’s properly configured and tested before you travel. Never access company systems or sensitive data without VPN protection when on untrusted networks.
Keep Your Devices Updated
Before you leave, ensure all devices are running the latest operating system updates and security patches. These updates often include critical fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates when possible so your devices stay protected even during extended time away from the office.
Back Up Important Files
Technical issues don’t wait for convenient times. Before traveling or taking extended time off, back up all critical files to secure cloud storage or an external drive. This protects against device loss, theft, or failure and ensures you can access important information if needed.
Secure Your Physical Devices
When traveling, never leave laptops, tablets, or phones unattended in vehicles or public spaces. Use device encryption and strong passcodes to protect data if a device is lost or stolen. Consider using a privacy screen to prevent shoulder surfing in airports or other public locations.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Cybersecurity doesn’t require complex technical knowledge—it requires consistent attention to basic best practices. The steps outlined above take minimal time but provide substantial protection against the most common threats. Whether you’re responsible for organizational security or simply want to protect your personal information, these habits will serve you well beyond the holiday season.
How FSET Can Help
At FSET, we understand that cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, especially during the busy holiday season. Our ISO 27001-certified team provides comprehensive security solutions tailored to Northern Ontario businesses. From implementing multi-factor authentication and secure VPN access to providing employee security training and 24/7 threat monitoring, we ensure your organization stays protected year-round.
Don’t let cybersecurity concerns dampen your holiday spirit. Contact FSET today to discuss how we can strengthen your security posture and give you peace of mind this season and beyond.
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