A Cybersecurity “Nice List”: Keeping Your Business Protected This Holiday Season

Monday, December 9, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, businesses everywhere are gearing up for the busiest time of the year. While you’re spreading cheer and preparing for seasonal sales, cybercriminals are making their own lists—and you don’t want to end up on their “naughty” one.

From phishing scams disguised as holiday deals to fraud targeting online shoppers, cyber risks skyrocket during the festive season. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you check your cybersecurity list twice and keep your business protected.

Why the Holidays Are a Prime Time for Cyber Threats

The holiday hustle can leave small businesses vulnerable. Employees are distracted, working remotely, or shopping online, creating opportunities for cybercriminals to slip in unnoticed. Phishing scams, fake invoices, and malicious holiday offers are just a few tricks hackers use to exploit the season's chaos.

For small businesses, a single misstep—like clicking on a fake delivery notification—can lead to costly breaches. That’s why it’s more important than ever to stay vigilant.

Your Cybersecurity ‘Nice List’: A Holiday Checklist for Businesses

To keep your business secure, follow this comprehensive holiday cybersecurity checklist:

1. Check Emails Twice: Look for Naughty Phishing Attempts

  • Phishing scams are the top holiday trick. From fake “exclusive offers” to spoofed shipping notifications, these emails are designed to steal data.

  • What to Do: Train your team to recognize phishing emails—look for odd sender addresses, urgent requests, or suspicious links.

  • Lockwell’s Solution: Our advanced email firewall and anti-phishing tools block malicious emails before they even reach your inbox.

2. Secure Access: Protect Who’s Logging into Your Systems

  • Weak passwords or stolen credentials can give hackers an all-access pass to your sensitive data.

  • What to Do: Require employees to use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.

  • Lockwell’s Solution: Our password manager and MFA tools make secure logins a breeze for your team.

3. Wrap Up Your Devices in Cyber-Protection

  • Holiday distractions often lead to employees using unsecured devices or networks, putting your business at risk.

  • What to Do: Keep all devices updated with the latest software and install robust anti-malware programs.

  • Lockwell’s Solution: With our device security features, you get anti-malware protection and real-time threat detection across all business devices.

4. Stay on the ‘Nice’ List with Training

  • Cybersecurity awareness is the gift that keeps on giving. Educated employees are your first line of defense.

  • What to Do: Regularly provide training on spotting scams, securing devices, and following safe online practices.

  • Lockwell’s Solution: From live quarterly webinars to on-demand modules, we’ve got training that fits into your team’s schedule.

5. Monitor Your Network 24/7: Don’t Let Hackers Sneak Down the Chimney

  • Cybercriminals don’t take holidays off. Your network needs constant monitoring to catch and neutralize threats.

  • What to Do: Invest in around-the-clock threat monitoring to ensure your business is always one step ahead.

  • Lockwell’s Solution: Our Managed Detection and Response (MDR) service provides 24/7 monitoring and instant threat neutralization.

A Holiday Gift from Lockwell

At Lockwell, we understand that small businesses have unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity. That’s why we’ve designed an all-in-one platform that’s affordable, user-friendly, and comprehensive.

  • Affordable Protection: Our solutions are tailored to small businesses, offering big-business security without breaking the bank.

  • Easy Setup: We handle the heavy lifting, making onboarding simple so you can focus on running your business.

  • Human Support, Anytime: Even during the holidays, our cybersecurity experts are just a message away.

  • All-in-One Platform: From email to devices and networks, Lockwell’s unified platform simplifies cybersecurity.

Protect Your Business This Holiday Season

Cybercriminals are counting on businesses letting their guard down during the holidays. But with Lockwell, you can stay protected and confident.

By following your cybersecurity “Nice List,” you’ll ensure your business is ready for the season while avoiding unnecessary risks. Ready to get started? Schedule a demo today and let’s make sure your holidays are merry, bright, and cyber-secure.

Quick Tips for Employees

  • Think Before You Click: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources.

  • Shop Smart: Use secure, trusted sites for any online shopping on work devices.

  • Report Suspicious Activity: Notify your manager or IT team immediately if you see something suspicious..

With a little preparation and the right tools, your business can enjoy a stress-free holiday season while keeping cyber threats at bay.