Cybercrime on the Rise Amid Festive Times: Here is How to Safeguard Your Business During Cybercriminal Peak Season

‘Tis the season to encrypt sensitive data, fa la la la la, la la la la. The holiday season brings a wave of festivities, celebrations, and unfortunately, heightened cyber threats. Darktrace noted a 30% surge in the typical count of cybercrime attacks during the holiday season. Additionally, their research uncovered a 70% rise in attempted ransomware attacks. For small and medium-sized businesses the risks are significant, making cybersecurity vigilance a necessity. As cybercriminals intensify their efforts, it is imperative that companies keep security top-of-mind. 

10 Winter Warnings – Chilling Surge in Attack Methods Include:

1. Phishing Attacks
2. Ransomware
3. Payment Frauds
4. Malicious Links and Ads
5. Stolen Credential
6. Unauthorized Access
7. Email Compromise
8. Social Engineering Attacks
9. Stolen Passwords
10. Tech Support Scams

Winterizing Your Cyber Defenses

Zirous has more than 35 years of experience helping businesses protect their sensitive data. We have leveraged our extensive cybersecurity experience to create a list of recommendations for businesses in the community. 

1. Comprehensive Training: Conduct cybersecurity awareness to educate employees about prevalent cyber threats and instill secure online practices.
2. Endpoint Security Measures: Equip all business devices, including employee-owned ones, with robust security software, firewalls, and up-to-date antivirus protection.
3. Regular Updates: Ensure prompt installation of security patches and updates for software, applications, and operating systems to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
4. Data Protection Strategies: Encrypt sensitive data and maintain regular backups in secure cloud or offline storage to preemptively address potential data breaches.
5. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA across business accounts and critical systems to add an extra layer of security against unauthorized access.
6. Incident Response Planning: Develop a comprehensive incident response with a managed service provider that can help you outline procedures for containment, communication, and recovery in the event of a cyber incident.
7. Collaborate with Cybersecurity Experts: Partner with an experienced cybersecurity tech firm like Zirous to conduct thorough security assessments, identify vulnerabilities, and tailor robust defenses specific to your business requirements.

But it’s more than making a list and checking it twice! As the holiday season approaches, companies must prioritize cybersecurity to shield against potential cyber threats.

As a trusted managed service provider, we are offering complimentary Cybersecurity Risk Assessments to begin the conversations around increasing cyber awareness and creating a security-minded culture that protects our local business community during peak season. Learn More. 

Silent night, cyber-safe night, all is calm, all is backed up right.

Happy Holidays from Zirous!