Fireworks and Firewalls: Bolstering Nonprofit and Small Business Cybersecurity on Holidays

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

While festive fireworks light up the sky on the Fourth of July, another kind of fireworks can be brewing in cyberspace: cyberattacks. Holidays, such as the Fourth of July, often see an upswing in cyber threats targeting nonprofit organizations and small businesses. But have no fear! In this post, we'll guide you through the importance of staying vigilant during holiday periods, the potential dangers lurking behind each corner, and the actionable steps you can take to bolster cybersecurity and protect your organization.

The Holiday Cyber Threat

A Trend Worth Noting

Many cyberattacks occur on holidays and weekends when offices are usually closed, and staff may let their guard down. For example, during the Fourth of July weekend in 2021, the Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware group attacked a U.S.-based critical infrastructure entity, affecting hundreds of organizations. Moreover, the Kaseya cyberattack in 2021 also took place during the Fourth of July weekend. This trend is worth noting and highlights the need for heightened vigilance during holiday periods.

Don't Let Your Email Guard Down

Emails are prime avenues for cybercriminals to launch their attacks. During holidays, when people are more relaxed and might not be as vigilant, it's crucial to remain cautious. 

Some tips for safe email practices include:

  • Double-check the sender's email address

  • Be wary of unexpected or unsolicited emails

  • Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources

  • Inform your team to be extra vigilant during holiday periods


Strengthen Password Policies

Weak passwords are another common entry point for cyberattacks. To ensure maximum protection, create strong password policies and enforce them in your organization:


  • Encourage the use of unique and complex passwords for all accounts

  • Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible

  • Regularly update passwords and educate employees on best practices

  • Use a password manager to store and manage passwords securely



Foster a Culture of Cyber Awareness

Building a culture of cyber awareness within your organization is essential for maintaining a strong defense against cyber threats. Some steps to foster cyber awareness include:


  • Encouraging employees to report suspicious emails or incidents

  • Keeping up to date with the latest cyber threats and updating policies accordingly

  • Rewarding team members who engage in proactive security measures


Lockwell: Your Cybersecurity's Statue of Liberty

Let's not forget about the role advanced technologies can play in elevating your cybersecurity game. Much like the Statue of Liberty stands sentinel, providing hope and freedom, Lockwell’s AI Security Engine serves as your digital beacon of security. 

Enhanced Protection with Four Modules

The AI Security Engine monitors four separate modules, providing a comprehensive security solution:

  1. Account Management Module: This includes a password manager that allows users to store and manage their passwords securely. It also facilitates easy employee onboarding and offboarding, maintaining control over account access at all times.

  2. VPN Module: Protects network security, including provision of a dedicated IP address, ensuring that your internet communication is always encrypted and secure from prying eyes.

  3. Device Security Module: Offers anti-malware protection, real-time threat analysis, and remediation, keeping your devices safe from harmful threats.

  4. Dark Web Monitoring Module: Constantly scans the dark web for any leaking company data, providing an extra level of defense by notifying you of potential data breaches.

Proactive Threat Resolution

What sets the AI Security Engine apart is its proactive stance towards threat resolution. The moment a risk is detected in any of its monitored modules, it automatically alerts the affected employees with remediation instructions, reducing the reaction time and minimizing potential damage.

Autonomous Operation

While the AI Security Engine alerts company owners and admins when necessary, it largely operates autonomously. This intelligent system works directly with employees, taking significant stress off the shoulders of dedicated technical staff, and allows organizations to maintain high-security health even during off-hours or holiday periods.


Conclusion

Holidays like the Fourth of July can be a time of joy, relaxation, and celebration. However, it's essential not to let our guard down and stay vigilant in securing our virtual fences. By staying cautious with emails, strengthening password policies, and fostering a culture of cyber awareness, nonprofits and small businesses can minimize the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks during holidays.


As the skies glimmer with festive fireworks, let's also illuminate our awareness of cyber threats and protect our organizations.  Share this post to spread the word and let us know your thoughts in the comments. Together, we can build a more secure digital world.