Before You Log-off: Cybersecurity Holiday Checklist
Holiday breaks are essential for rest, reflection, and recharging. But while your team steps away, cyber threats continue to operate at full speed. Holidays often create ideal conditions for attackers, with reduced monitoring, delayed responses, and relaxed routines.
A few proactive steps before closing your laptop can significantly reduce your organization’s risk and help ensure your time off stays uninterrupted.
Why Holidays Are a Prime Target for Cyber Threats
Cybercriminals understand business patterns. When offices slow down, IT teams are leaner, and alerts go unchecked for longer periods, attackers see an opportunity.
Common holiday risks include:
- Unpatched systems are left vulnerable
- Phishing emails timed to blend in with holiday messages
- Compromised credentials are going unnoticed
- Employees using work devices for personal shopping or travel
We’ve created a brief checklist for you and your team to proactively plan to shut down your devices for your holiday leave.
Holiday Cybersecurity Checklist for Businesses
1. Apply Updates and Security Patches
Ensure operating systems, applications, and security tools are fully updated before the break. Many cyber incidents exploit vulnerabilities that already have available fixes.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA is one of the most effective ways to prevent unauthorized access, especially if login attempts occur while teams are out of the office.
3. Secure Work Devices
Remind employees to avoid personal browsing, shopping, or downloading unknown applications on work-issued devices. This small habit change can significantly reduce risk.
4. Back Up Critical Data
Verify that backups are recent, secure, and tested. Backups are your safety net if ransomware or data loss occurs.
5. Monitor Alerts and Set Escalation Plans
Even during downtime, someone should be responsible for monitoring critical security alerts or have a trusted partner in place to respond if needed.
Security Shouldn’t Interrupt Your Time Off
Cybersecurity doesn’t need to be intrusive to be effective. With the right preparation and ongoing oversight, businesses can enjoy holiday breaks without worrying about what’s happening at the office.
At Fortis Cyber Solutions, we help organizations stay protected year-round.
Contact us for a more in-depth holiday plan.
