The holiday season is here - a time for joy, celebration, and, for many of us, a well-deserved break. But while we’re decking the halls and sipping on mulled wine, cybercriminals are out there working overtime. Whether you're a user setting your out-of-office message whilst shopping for last-minute gifts or an administrator managing systems remotely, the festive season is a prime time for online threats.
In this blog, we'll unwrap essential cyber security tips to keep you and your systems safe while you enjoy the holidays. From protecting your personal devices to ensuring your company’s networks remain secure, we've got you covered. So, grab a hot chocolate, settle in by the fire, and let’s make sure your Christmas is merry, bright - and cyber-safe!
For end users
As you prepare to step away from the office for some well-deserved holiday downtime, it’s a good idea to give your cybersecurity habits a quick once-over. First, take a moment to review your out-of-office messages. While it’s tempting to share details about your festive getaway, keep it vague - there’s no need to broadcast that you’ll be out of the country or unavailable for weeks. If you want to be more specific for colleagues, consider setting up separate internal and external automatic replies.
It is also good practice to do a quick tech tidy-up before you leave. Unplug any devices you won’t be using to save energy and reduce risk. For mobile phones or other devices that don’t need to stay active, remove batteries or SIM cards to keep them completely offline. These small steps can help you enjoy your break with the peace of mind that your digital world is safe and sound while you’re away.
Strengthen Remote Access Controls
The Christmas holidays are a time to unwind, but if your team needs to connect to the office network remotely, you’ll want to make sure your cybersecurity is as snug as a holiday sweater. Start by strengthening authentication - multi-factor authentication (MFA) is your best friend here. It adds an extra layer of security, making it much harder for any Grinch-like attackers to get in.
Next, keep remote access privileges on a strict “need-to-use” basis, especially for OT networks where unauthorized access could cause serious disruptions. Think of it as giving out the keys to your house—only those who absolutely need them should have access. Better yet, use a secure remote access solution that can enforce limits based on time of day or even physical location. For example, if someone tries logging in from halfway around the world when they’re supposed to be at home, the system can raise a red flag.
Monitor for unusual and malicious events
When the office is quiet and staff are away, it’s prime time for cyber troublemakers to try their luck. That’s why keeping a close eye on your network during these periods is so important! Make sure you’ve got real-time monitoring in place to catch any suspicious activity. Set up alerts for key incidents like unauthorized access attempts, unexpected data transfers, or sneaky configuration changes. It’s like having a digital watchdog for your network, ensuring that if something does go awry, you’ll know about it immediately and can respond before it becomes a bigger problem.
Conduct a security sweep beforehand
The holiday season is all about festive cheer, but don’t let cyber Grinches ruin your downtime! Before you head off to enjoy the holidays, give your OT and IT systems the gift of security by applying all critical patches. Patching up those vulnerabilities now will help keep the known exploits at bay while you're sipping eggnog. Next, put your systems on the "nice" list by running comprehensive malware and vulnerability scans—especially for those legacy OT systems that might not have the best defences against modern threats. And don’t forget about good old-fashioned physical security! Double-check badge readers, doors, and cameras, and make sure only the necessary personnel can get in during the break. With these steps, you can relax and enjoy the season, knowing your network is snug and secure!
Be careful of plugging new devices into a network
Received a new device for Christmas and planning to plug it into your OT network? Hold on—don’t just power it up and call it a day! Start by swapping out those default credentials for a strong, unique password (no one wants “admin123”). Next, check if the device is running the latest firmware - updates often patch vulnerabilities you definitely don’t want lingering around. While you're at it, disable any features or services you don’t need; fewer entry points mean fewer headaches. And don’t treat updates as a one-time thing—schedule regular check-ins to keep everything secure and running smoothly. Lastly, know your vendor’s End-of-Life (EOL) policy, so you're not caught off guard when updates or support suddenly stop. A little prep now can save a lot of trouble later!
