Home Commentary Advice Cyber Sessions: Embrace the holiday spirit, but remain vigilant

Cyber Sessions: Embrace the holiday spirit, but remain vigilant

By

Jason Albuquerque

-

11/20/2024

Jason Albuquerque

(Editor’s note: This is the 27th installment of a monthly column on the growing number of cyberthreats facing businesses of all sizes and what they can do about it. See previous installments here.) The holidays are a time for celebration, but for cybersecurity professionals, it’s also a season of heightened awareness. As the world embraces festive

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(Editor’s note: This is the 27th installment of a monthly column on the growing number of cyberthreats facing businesses of all sizes and what they can do about it. See previous installments here.) The holidays are a time for celebration, but for cybersecurity professionals, it's also a season of heightened awareness. As the world embraces festive cheer, cybercriminals embrace the chance to take advantage of people and businesses when their guard is down. Their tactics are as varied as the ornaments on a Christmas tree, ranging from sophisticated phishing campaigns disguised as holiday promotions to menacing malware lurking in seemingly harmless links to websites. The digital space in which we work and play is a complex and ever-evolving battleground. Resourceful cybercriminals adapt to evolving technologies, exploiting vulnerabilities with increasing sophistication. This holiday season, we will see a surge in targeted attacks, particularly aimed at small and midsize businesses. One prevalent tactic is phishing, where malicious actors don the masks of legitimate institutions much like the Grinch disguising himself as Santa Claus. These tricks lure unsuspecting employees into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. The attacks often capitalize on holiday themes, offering irresistible deals and coupons, or mimicking charitable donation requests. The consequences go beyond a lump of coal in your digital stocking. Data breaches can inflict significant financial losses, operational downtime, tarnish your reputation, and expose you to legal liabilities and fines. Cyberattacks disrupt operations, causing widespread inconvenience, frustration and lost revenue. In today's interconnected world, a single compromised system can trigger a domino effect, impacting you and your entire supply chain. Social engineering, a technique that manipulates people into divulging confidential information, is another common tactic. Cybercriminals may pose as trusted individuals or organizations to gain trust and exploit human vulnerabilities. This technique can be particularly effective during the holiday season, when people may be more susceptible to emotional appeals and a sense of urgency. In cybersecurity, the human element remains the weakest link. Employees, often eager to embrace the spirit of the season may become caught up in the whirlwind of work and the holiday madness. This makes them more susceptible to phishing attacks and social engineering tactics, and cybercriminals know it. While the threat landscape can seem daunting, a proactive approach can significantly reduce your risk. By first fostering a culture in your company of cyber awareness, your organization can build resilience. Even the most sophisticated security measures can be bypassed by a single human error. Technology is crucial, but the human element remains paramount. Employees are often the first line of defense. By empowering them with knowledge and fostering a culture of awareness, organizations can significantly reduce their risk. Encourage employees to report suspicious activity and foster an environment of open communication. Empower your workforce by equipping your employees with cybersecurity knowledge. Create a “Grinch's Guide to Cybercrime” that provides engaging training materials highlighting real-world examples of cyberattacks and their consequences. Communicate about and educate them about phishing tactics, social engineering, and other threats along with the best practices to combat them. Then go beyond basic training and implement ongoing security awareness programs. It's essential to remember that even the most sophisticated security measures can be undermined by human error. By educating employees about phishing tactics and social engineering, businesses can significantly reduce their risk of falling victim. Embedding cybersecurity into a company culture is like building a fortress around Whoville. By encouraging a security-conscious environment, organizations can effectively impede cyberattacks. A strong security culture not only protects your sensitive data but also protects the financial well-being of your organization. It's a proactive approach that ensures the long-term health and prosperity of the business, safeguarding it from a cyber Grinch's malicious plots. Next month: What to expect in cybersecurity in 2025 Jason Albuquerque is the chief operating officer of Pawtucket-based Envision Technology Advisors LLC. You can reach him at www.envisionsuccess.net.