Cybersecurity Methods for Your Business During the Holidays
Implementing cybersecurity methods for your business during the holiday season is vital to avoid pitfalls in the new year. By this time, your holiday preparations are likely already in full swing. Like most businesses, you’ve probably spent the last several weeks gearing up for the most profitable period of the year.
The end-of-the-year holiday season is when businesses rack up the most sales, gain more customers, and generally enjoy a peak period of activity. But other organizations and individuals are gearing up for the season: cybercriminals.
Cybercrime is, of course, a constant threat throughout the year. Cyber-attacks can occur anytime, so you must be on guard and protect your company with cyber liability insurance and other preventive measures.
But the holiday season is dangerous for business owners. The increased customer activity and sales mean many more opportunities for cybercriminals to steal data, company assets, and money. Businesses need to shore up their cybersecurity defenses before the critical holiday season.
Cybersecurity Methods for Your Business
Thankfully, business owners aren’t helpless against these threats. Cybercrime prevention systems are available, and many preventive measures can help prevent being victimized by cybercriminals and minimize the damage they can cause. Here are a few suggestions for boosting cybersecurity and protecting your business during the holidays:
Update Your Antivirus Programs
Having an antivirus program is good. But you should update it regularly. Many cybersecurity experts liken these programs to flu shots. Although they protect you throughout the year, they are more effective when boosted before periods of high risk. It’s the same with antivirus software, which should be updated and patched before critical periods.
Plan for Personnel Changes
Many workers plan to retire or move to another company at the end of the year. Ensure you are on top of security concerns by revoking access to company resources, including databases, client lists, and internet connections. You need to reset the system so employees leaving the firm can no longer use their login information, especially their passwords.
Remember to have them turn over provided devices as well. And if they’ve used their personal devices for work-related functions, use a remote mobile monitoring system to clean them.
Remember Travel Security
If you’re planning on going on a trip this year, make sure you aren’t providing cybercriminals with an opportunity to get the better of you. Be especially wary of using public Wi-Fi networks, which are unsecured and leave your data unprotected.
There is also some risk when using public charging stations. Although it is uncertain whether phones can be hacked or tampered with from these devices, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Ensure Remote Access
While at it, ensure you retain remote access to your company system while away on holiday. Close your business thoroughly isn’t generally a good idea, as some employees will need access to company data. People still have to be paid, and some office personnel may continue working through the holidays. A remote-access virtual private network or VPN ensures the availability of secure remote connections to your company’s network resources without jeopardizing your security.
Get Your Backups in Order
“Back up your data” is a mantra among IT professionals, and for a good reason. You need to ensure your ability to pick up where you left off next year without worrying about losing critical data while you are on holiday.
Many experts advise adopting the “3-2-1” rule of data backups. It involves having three copies of essential assets: two stored on independent local media and the third off-site.
Conclusion
There is increased productivity and profitability during the holiday season. Ultimately, it is also when cybercrime tends to hit its peak. Don’t let your guard down! Remember that cybercriminals don’t take holidays and are probably waiting for your defenses to slip. Follow the tips above and take all precautions to ensure your business’s continued success and profitability in the next year and beyond.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.