Sleigh the Season Safely - abtec Managed IT
 Get Support
 Contact us  Get Support
Sleigh the Season Safely

Knowledge Base

Sleigh the Season Safely: Cyber Security Tips for a Jolly Holiday

It’s that time of year! Christmas lights are up, inboxes are overflowing with deals, and everyone’s schedule is full of parties and family reunions. But while we drink it all in, cyber criminals are working night and day, waiting to turn your silent night into cyber security nightmare.

Be it a Business, School or just an individual interested in guarding your own gear, here are some pragmatic (and Christmas-like) cyber security hacks to make sure that the Grinch does not take your data this holiday season.

1. Beware of Holiday Scams: Even Santa Doesn’t Need Your Passwords

Christmas is the time of year when you do the most online shopping and phishing attacks are high too. Hackers understand you are more than likely busy shopping for gifts or planning your family get together, and so they create sales pitches or messages based on promises of “deals,” fake present tracking updates, or even requests to confirm your payment information.

Quick Tip:

  • Never click on links from unsolicited emails or texts.
  • Look for red flags, like typos, generic greetings (“Dear Customer”), or requests for sensitive information.
  • When in doubt, visit the website directly by typing the URL into your browser.




    • 2. Lock Down Those Machines: More Firewalls, Fewer Fires.

    Holiday downtime often means more devices connected to your home or business network – whether it’s a smart doorbell for your Christmas Carol Singers, the kids’ new gaming consoles, or your office laptops. Each device is a potential entry point for hackers.

    Quick Tip:

  • Update all devices with the latest security patches.
  • Use strong, unique passwords (no, “Santa123” doesn’t count).
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.




    • 3. Wi-Fi Woes: Don’t Let Hackers “Connect” With You

    While you’re traveling or hosting, you might find yourself accessing free Wi-Fi in airports, coffee shops or other public places. Those types of networks tend to be vulnerable and they provide a playground for hackers.

    Quick Tip:

  • Never access private accounts (such as bank or business emails) over public Wi-Fi.
  • Take advantage of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for added security.




    • 4. Keep the “Office” Closed for Cybercriminals

    For businesses and schools, the holiday break often means systems are left unattended for weeks. Hackers know this and often exploit this downtime.

    Quick Tip:

  • Ensure all systems have the latest security updates before staff head out.
  • Monitor your network remotely and set up alerts for unusual activity.
  • Conduct a quick security audit to ensure unused accounts are disabled, and access permissions are properly set.




    • 5. Ransomware Readiness: Back It Up, Buttercup

    Imagine coming back from the holidays only to find your data locked behind a ransom note. No thanks!

    Quick Tip:

  • Regularly back up critical data to a secure, off-site location.
  • Test your backups to ensure they’re working properly.
  • Keep your advanced antivirus software updated to detect ransomware threats.




    • 6. Educate Your Team: Be the “Clause” for Security Awareness

    Cyber security isn’t a solo effort—it requires everyone to be on the same page. Whether it’s your family or employees, make sure they know how to spot and report threats.

    Quick Tip:

  • Share simple security reminders, like not clicking on suspicious links or leaving devices unattended.
  • Provide training sessions or circulate quick, engaging guides.




    • 7. Have an “Incident Eggnog Plan”: Be Ready to Respond

    Even the best defences can be breached. What matters most is how quickly and effectively you respond.

    Quick Tip:

  • Document an incident response plan and share it with key team members.
  • Include contact information for your IT provider, like us, to handle any emergencies.

    • Wrap It Up (Securely, Of Course)
    The holidays should be a time for rest and relaxation, not cyber security issues. These above practices can help you to secure your data and get back to doing what’s really important: hanging out with family and friends and eating way too many mince pies.

    Are you looking for cyber security advice? Whether you’re a company or school, we’ve got you covered. Let’s keep the Grinch out of your gadgets this Christmas.

    Keep safe, stay happy, and remember: Cyber Security is the gift that never runs out!

    Share this post: