During the holiday season, teams are smaller, approvals take longer, and many people are away from their desks. Systems, however, continue to run as usual. This gap between operations and oversight is what often increases cyber risk.
The good news is that most holiday-season cyber issues can be avoided with a few practical steps taken in advance.
Why Cyber Risk Increases During Holidays
Cyber incidents during holidays are rarely about new or complex attacks. They happen because:
- Fewer people are actively monitoring systems
- Updates and fixes are postponed
- Remote access is used more often
- Response decisions take longer
For large organisations, even small delays can lead to bigger problems.
What Organisations Can Do Before the Holidays
1. Decide Who Is Watching What
Make sure it is clear who will monitor security alerts when teams are on leave. There should always be a main contact and a backup, with the authority to act if something looks wrong.
2. Tighten Remote Access
Before the holidays, review VPN and system access. Remove unused accounts, enforce multi-factor authentication, and make sure access is given only where needed.
3. Fix High-Risk Issues Early
If systems won’t be updated during the holidays, fix critical vulnerabilities beforehand—especially those linked to internet-facing systems and remote access.
4. Keep a Simple Incident Plan Ready
Have a short, easy-to-follow plan for handling security issues during holidays. It should clearly mention:
- Who to contact
- Who can approve actions
- When to inform management or regulators
This avoids confusion when quick decisions are required.
5. Keep Visibility High
Ensure logs, alerts, and dashboards are easy to access for the on-call team. During holidays, speed matters more than detailed analysis.
6. Remind Employees to Stay Alert
A short reminder about phishing emails, fake links, and unusual requests can go a long way in reducing risk during the holiday season.
A Simple Reality Check
Most organisations don’t face problems because they lack security tools. Issues arise when responsibilities are unclear or delayed. During holidays, preparation and clarity matter more than adding new technology.
Final Thought
Cyber risks don’t take holidays. They take advantage of them.
Organisations that plan ahead and keep things simple are far better prepared to handle the holiday period safely.
At Prime Infoserv, we help organisations review, prioritise, and prepare their cybersecurity controls before high-risk holiday periods. Preparation today prevents disruption tomorrow.
