5 Simple Cybersecurity Steps to Protect Your Remote Team This Holiday Season

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

The holiday season is here—a time for travel, celebrations, and (hopefully) some much-needed rest. But while you and your team focus on family and festivities, cybercriminals are gearing up for their busiest season. For small businesses and nonprofits with employees working remotely, this time of year poses unique cybersecurity risks.

Whether your team is logging in from an airport, a coffee shop, or their couch, staying secure doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple guide to help your organization keep its data safe during the holidays—and how Lockwell can make cybersecurity effortless for your team.

Why Remote Work Is Riskier During the Holidays

The holiday season creates a perfect storm for cyber threats. Many employees work from unfamiliar locations, use unsecured networks, and rush to finish tasks before the year ends. Distractions are everywhere, and hackers know it.

Here’s what makes the holidays a prime time for cybercriminals:

  • Unsecured Wi-Fi: Public networks in airports, hotels, or cafes are a hacker’s playground.

  • Phishing Scams: Fake shipping notifications, charity pleas, and holiday deals are designed to trick distracted employees.

  • Lost or Stolen Devices: The hustle of holiday travel makes it easy to misplace laptops or phones containing sensitive business data.

  • Distraction-Driven Errors: Busy employees may unknowingly click on malicious links or make security mistakes.

But with the right precautions and tools, you can protect your team and business.

Simple Steps to Stay Cyber-Safe While Working Remotely

1. Secure Your Devices

Remote workers rely on laptops and phones to get things done, but these devices are often the first target for cybercriminals. Protecting them is essential.

  • Use Anti-Malware Tools: Lockwell’s endpoint security detects and neutralizes threats automatically, ensuring your team’s devices are always protected.

  • Schedule Regular Backups: Regularly backing up important files is critical for recovering from ransomware, accidental data loss, or device theft. Ensure backups are encrypted and stored securely, whether on a physical device or a cloud service, for quick recovery when needed.

2. Always Use a VPN

Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient but unsafe, especially for sensitive business tasks.

  • Encrypt Your Traffic: Lockwell’s VPN solution creates a secure connection, shielding your data from prying eyes—even on public networks.

  • Make Security Easy: Lockwell’s VPN integrates seamlessly across devices, so employees can connect securely with just a click.

3. Stay Phishing-Savvy

Cybercriminals ramp up phishing attacks during the holidays, hoping to catch employees off guard.

  • Recognize the Red Flags: Remind your team to be cautious of emails asking for personal information or urgent action—especially those with festive themes.

  • Let Technology Do the Work: Lockwell’s email protection tools analyze and block malicious emails before they even reach your inbox.

4. Lock Down Access with Strong Credentials

Weak or reused passwords are a leading cause of breaches, and holiday distractions only increase the risk.

  • Strengthen Password Security: Lockwell’s Team Password Manager enforces strong, unique passwords for all accounts.

  • Add Multi-Factor Authentication: Protect sensitive accounts with an extra layer of security—Lockwell makes it simple to enable MFA across your team.

5. Be Prepared for the Worst

Even with the best defenses, things can go wrong. Having a plan in place can save your business time and money.

  • Incident Response Readiness: Make sure employees know what to do if a device is lost or compromised.

  • Continuous Monitoring: Lockwell’s 24/7 Managed Detection and Response identifies threats before they escalate, ensuring you’re always a step ahead.

How Lockwell Makes Holiday Cybersecurity Effortless

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Lockwell, you get everything you need to protect your business and remote workers in one easy-to-use platform.

Here’s what sets Lockwell apart:

  • Comprehensive Protection: From devices and networks to accounts, Lockwell safeguards every aspect of your digital operations.

  • User-Friendly Tools: Lockwell’s intuitive design makes it simple for even non-technical users to stay secure.

  • 24/7 Human Support: Have a question or need help? Lockwell’s team of cybersecurity specialists is available around the clock.

Empower Your Remote Team This Holiday Season

The holidays don’t have to be stressful. By taking a few simple precautions and leveraging Lockwell’s all-in-one cybersecurity platform, you can ensure your team stays safe—no matter where they’re working.

Protect your business and enjoy the season with peace of mind.

Build a Cyber-Safe New Year

When your team returns in January, let them come back to a secure business. Small steps today can lead to big wins tomorrow. With Lockwell by your side, staying cyber-safe is no longer a luxury—it’s a simple, affordable reality.