Christmas should be about mince pies, family time, and switching off, not worrying about your business being targeted by hackers or accidentally experiencing a data breach.
Unfortunately, December is prime time for cybercriminals, who will take any opportunity to exploit weaknesses and cause maximum chaos.
That’s because hackers know that at this time of year, business owners in Suffolk are likely to be more distracted than usual. They’re ready and waiting to take advantage of the fact that your staff are preparing for annual leave and that regular routines are out of sync.
We want you to be able to switch off properly over the next few weeks, which is why we’re sharing five simple tips to keep your IT systems safe and secure this festive period.
Tip 1: Lock down your passwords before you switch off for annual leave
If you’re a regular reader of our posts, then you’ll know that we like to use the analogy that your passwords are the keys to your digital front door.
Having weak or reused passwords makes it easy for hackers to stroll right in.
Before you shut down for Christmas, why not make sure that everyone in your team has changed their password? Doing so before you switch off for annual leave ensures your password protocols are up to date, and that any leaked passwords can’t be used, as they’ve been deactivated.
We hope that you know how to create a safe password.
But we’re not going to assume anything. Everyone needs a gentle reminder now and then.
When you’re reminding your team to change their passwords, make sure you have the following protocols in place.
- Strong, unique passwords for every account, using a mix of capital letters, lower case letters, numbers and special characters.
- For example, we can all agree that Ipswich2025! is a weak password and could be guessed easily.
- Why not change it to a much stronger alternative, such as 1p5Wich2o25£
- Always enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA is like adding a second lock, so even if someone steals your key, they can’t get in. You could also argue that it’s like having a video doorbell, where you’re notified that someone is trying to get in.
- Use a password manager (there are free options like Google password manager) to keep everything safe and organised.
Tip 2: Back up your data like wrapping gifts
Imagine losing all your client files and documents right before the New Year. That’s a nightmare no one wants to have to worry about. You need to schedule regular, automated backups as your safety net.
Ideally, you’ll wrap up your data in as many layers of encryption as possible. Think of it as wrapping a present, then popping it in a gift bag, before adding a great big bow on the outside!
The more you add, the better the results!
Adding layers of encryption, scheduling automatic backups (multiple times a day if needed), and testing data recovery processes is the best way for you to know that if you did lose access to your data, your business would suffer minimal harm.
Our cybersecurity support services in Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich, and Thetford include affordable backup solutions for small businesses. If you’re not sure how to back up your files or how to access them if something were to happen to your office space over Christmas, let us take this worry off your plate.
You can rely on us to keep your business safe so that you can enjoy a stress-free Christmas.
Tip 3: Train your team to spot festive phishing scams
You’re not going to be surprised if we tell you that phishing emails spike during Christmas.
You’ve probably already been bombarded with fake delivery notices, charity appeals, and “urgent invoices.” When you’re in the office, you’re switched on and have that sixth sense when something doesn’t feel quite right. But would you and your team be as stringent at home? If you’ve had a glass or two of bubbly and you happen to check your emails on your phone, would you be as observant?
Probably not.
That’s why you need to stay vigilant as much as possible. Remember, it’s not just your professional emails you need to be wary of; it’s also your personal emails.
That’s why we recommend you have a golden manta. If in doubt, don’t click.
- Remember to check email addresses carefully, as hackers often mimic trusted brands.
- If you get any spam text messages, always forward them to 7726. That way, the National Cyber Security Centre can investigate.
- They DO check every call, and they DO shut down scams – so it’s always worth being mindful and reporting.
- You could use the quieter December period to invest in some quick refresher training for your team. We offer small-business cybersecurity and phishing simulation training sessions designed to educate your team on how to minimise digital threats.
Imagine how good you would feel over Christmas knowing that you can completely switch off, without worrying that someone has inadvertently given access to your inbox.
Tip 4: Why not ask Santa to update your devices and software
If you’re on Santa’s nice list, then you should ask him for the latest software updates on your Christmas wish list.
We’re sure he’d be happy to oblige!
We’re always telling businesses in Ipswich that updates aren’t just about new features. They are there to patch security holes and ensure that any vulnerabilities are tested and addressed before they become a problem.
If we go back to the analogy of passwords as your digital door key, then an outdated legacy system is like leaving your window open while you go out. It creates gaps that hackers can exploit.
That’s why you need to check that you have updated your laptops and tablets, so everything has the latest software installed.
And as another reminder, if your team are going home for Christmas and has access to their emails on their personal devices, you need to make sure they update their phones to the latest iOS or Android version.
Tip 5: Have an emergency plan ready
Even with every precaution possible, things can, and do, go wrong.
That’s why disaster recovery plans are so important.
Having a written document will save you from going into a blind panic if you suspect something has gone wrong. Instead, you can calmly reach for your prepared plan, knowing exactly what to do and who to call. As we always say, those few extra minutes of preparation could save you hours of stress and ££££s in lost revenue and downtime.
So, here’s our final festive tip.
Before you log off and drive home for Christmas, make sure you print off a copy of your disaster recovery plan and take it home with you. That means you know what processes to take and who to call if something goes wrong while you’re on annual leave.
Our IT support team in Ipswich will be here to keep your holiday peaceful. If you are having a tech headache, you can call us anytime between Christmas and New Year.
Together, we can make sure your business is as secure as Santa’s sleigh
You deserve to enjoy Christmas without worrying about someone targeting your business.
We’re on a mission to educate Ipswich businesses about the importance of taking small, proactive steps to tackle cybersecurity and digital threats.
Yes, bigger technical requirements are needed for large offices and those with multiple business premises. But you’d be amazed by how many threats can be mitigated just by focusing on the basics.
Keeping your business safe from hackers should be your top priority, and we hope you listen to our advice and put in place positive processes. If you need any help, such as checking that your passwords are safe or support with data backups, please talk to us.
We promise we’re a friendly team! From our Hintlesham HQ, we can help you protect your small business, whether you’re in Suffolk, Norfolk or Essex. We promise, no jargon or hard sells. Just practical advice to keep your business safe and secure.
