The holiday season is a time of increased business activity — and unfortunately, a prime opportunity for cybercriminals. As companies handle higher transaction volumes and manage a surge in customer interactions, cyber attackers exploit the chaos caused by distracted employees, rushed processes, and overburdened systems. Protecting your network during this critical period isn’t just about securing your data and reputation — it’s also essential for maintaining compliance with cyber insurance requirements.
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Elevated Cyber Risks During the Holidays
Cybercriminals are well aware that November and December are the busiest months for businesses. They ramp up their efforts with phishing emails disguised as shipping notifications, fake invoices, and fraudulent holiday deals. Ransomware attacks and payment card skimming also spike as online shopping reaches its peak. Even a brief system outage can result in significant revenue losses and erode customer trust.
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Bolster Your Cybersecurity Measures
The holiday season is the perfect time to evaluate and strengthen your cybersecurity defenses. Key actions include:
- Update and patch systems: Ensure all software is up to date and vulnerabilities are patched to close off common entry points for attackers.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Require MFA for remote logins, administrative accounts, and financial systems to add an extra layer of security.
- Train your staff: Educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts and verifying suspicious requests before clicking links or sharing sensitive information.
- Back up critical data: Regularly test your backups and store copies offline to ensure quick recovery in the event of a ransomware attack.
- Monitor network activity: Use intrusion detection systems and review logs frequently to identify unusual behavior early.
If your team lacks the time, expertise, or resources to implement these measures effectively, consider hiring cybersecurity professionals. A qualified expert or managed security service provider (MSSP) can assess your current defenses, identify vulnerabilities, and implement robust protections to keep your business secure during this busy season.
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Protect Payment and Personal Data
For businesses handling credit card payments or personal information, compliance with standards like PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) and privacy regulations is non-negotiable. Noncompliance can lead to severe consequences, including fines, legal penalties, and even denial of claims from your cyber insurance provider.
Cyber insurance policies often require adherence to specific cybersecurity protocols. If a breach occurs and your organization is found noncompliant, your insurer may refuse to cover costs related to data breaches, business interruptions, or recovery efforts.
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Prepare for Incident Response
Preparation is your best line of defense. Ensure your incident response plan is current and that all key team members understand their roles. Conduct tabletop exercises to simulate cyberattack scenarios and test your communication procedures. Quick, coordinated action can significantly minimize damage when every second counts.
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Collaborate with Trusted Security Experts
Partnering with a trusted cybersecurity firm or MSSP can provide the expertise and resources needed to protect your business. These professionals can assess vulnerabilities, monitor your systems, and deliver 24/7 protection throughout the holiday season. Proactive security measures now can save you from costly downtime and data loss later.
Don’t Let Bad Actors Take Down Holiday Sales
The holiday season is no time to let your guard down. Strengthen your cybersecurity defenses, ensure compliance with payment and data regulations, and confirm your cyber insurance requirements. If your internal team is stretched thin or lacks the necessary expertise…
No worries – My Resource Partners offers a FREE Cybersecurity Assessment. Our cybersecurity solutions engineers will quickly pinpoint vulnerabilities and connect you with the right cybersecurity providers to safeguard your systems. The best part – through My Resource Partners national wholesale network, you can expect to save 35% versus going direct.
Ensure smooth operations, customer trust, and peace of mind — not just during the holidays, but all year long.
