As the festive season approaches, businesses across the UK are preparing for a well-deserved break. However, for cybercriminals, this is the ideal time to strike. With offices closed and fewer staff monitoring IT systems, organisations can be more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023, 32% of businesses reported a cyber breach or attack in the past 12 months, with many incidents occurring during periods of downtime. Prioritising cyber security measures during this time is essential to safeguarding your organisation.
QiC’s 7 Steps for Safeguarding your IT Systems this Winter
To help you enjoy a peaceful holiday without worrying about your IT security, we have compiled a list of the top 7 tips to stay vigilant and fully protected during the festive period:
1. Conduct a Pre-Holiday IT Health Check
Before the festive downtime begins, conduct a thorough review of your IT systems to identify vulnerabilities. This includes ensuring:
- All software and operating systems are updated with the latest security patches.
- Antivirus and anti-malware programs are installed and fully operational.
- Firewalls are configured correctly and operating as intended.
Outdated systems are a favourite target for cybercriminals. Regular updates help close potential security gaps.
2. Implement Robust Access Controls
Minimising access to your IT systems over the holidays reduces the risk of unauthorised activity. Consider:
- Temporarily suspending access for employees who will not need it during the break.
- Enforcing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts.
According to Microsoft, MFA can block more than 99.2% of account compromise attacks. This is a simple step to take and it significantly reduces threat posed to your business.
3. Educate Your Team
Human error remains one of the leading causes of data breaches. A quick pre-holiday training session on cyber security best practices can make a big difference. Remind your team:
- Not to click on suspicious links or attachments in emails.
- To report any unusual activity immediately.
During downtime, phishing attempts often spike. Cybercriminals know staff may be less alert, making this an important time to reinforce good habits.
4. Set Up 24/7 System Monitoring
Continuous monitoring is crucial for complete IT security, identifying potential threats in real time. If your in-house team can’t provide continuous oversight, consider outsourcing to a managed IT service provider like QiC Systems. Advanced monitoring tools can detect anomalies and alert you before a small issue becomes a crisis.
5. Back Up Your Data
Data backups are your safety net in case of a cyber attack. Ensure you have:
- Recent backups of all critical data.
- Tested your backups to confirm they can be restored successfully.
- Stored backups securely, preferably using an off-site or cloud-based solution.
According to Hornetsecurity, as recent as Q3 of 2024, 55.8% of ransomware attacks targeted small organisations with 1-50 employees. 1 in 5 of those organisations opted to pay the ransom.
Investing in a robust backup solution now could save your business significant time, money, and stress.
6. Plan for Incident Response
Having a clear incident response plan ensures your team knows exactly what to do if a breach occurs. Key components include:
- A designated response team with clear roles and responsibilities.
- Pre-prepared communication templates to inform stakeholders.
- A tested recovery plan to minimise downtime.
A swift and coordinated response can significantly reduce the impact of a cyber attack.
7. Stay Informed on Emerging Threats
The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving. We recommend subscribing to industry alerts or consulting your IT provider to stay updated on potential IT security risks during the festive season.
Why Choose Hornetsecurity – 365 Total Backup and Recovery from QiC Systems?
When it comes to data protection, prevention is key. Hornetsecurity’s 365 Total Backup and Recovery solution ensures your data is secure and recoverable, even in the face of unexpected incidents. This comprehensive tool offers:
- Automated, regular backups of your Microsoft 365 data.
- Quick and reliable data recovery to minimise downtime.
- Advanced encryption to keep your sensitive information secure.
Partnering with QiC Systems means you’ll benefit from expert advice and support tailored to your business needs. Our solutions take care of your IT security, so you can focus on enjoying the festive season with peace of mind.
Protect Your Business Today with HornetSecurity from QiC
Don’t let cyber threats spoil your holiday. Contact QiC Systems today to learn more about our Hornetsecurity 365 Total Backup and Recovery. Contact Us to safeguard your business against cyber threats today. Get in touch on 01962711000 or email us at sales@qicsystems.com and a friendly team member will be in contact shortly.