10 Tips to stay safe online during the holiday season

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Weak passwords remain one of the biggest security vulnerabilities for businesses.

Encourage your team to use passwords with a combination of UPPERCASE and lowercase letters, 12345, and special characters!?-%.

A password manager simplifies this process by generating and securely storing passwords. You can use one to help avoid reusing passwords across platforms.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a crucial layer of protection, requiring users to provide 2+ verification methods to access their accounts.

Options include one-time codes sen via text or email, authenticator apps, and biometrics like fingerprints.

A password manager simplifies this process by generating and securely storing passwords. You can use one to help avoid reusing passwords across platforms.

Beware of Phishing Attempts

Phishing scams are especially prevalent during the holiday season, with attackers impersonating delivery companies, suppliers, or payment processors.

Train your employees to verify the sender's email address, hover over links before clicking, and report suspicious messages. You can also implement email filters to block phishing emails.

What's wrong with this email?

• Sender's email doesn't match signature.
• Use of urgency tactic: "ASAP."
• Also look for grammatical errors and unusual tone of voice.

Keeep Software Updated

Outdated software is a prime target for hackers exploiting known vulnerabilities.

Set up automatic updates for your operating systems, antivirus programs, browsers, and business tools. If you use point-of-sale (POS) systems, ensure they are updated to the latest security standards to protect customer payment data.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN

During the holidays, your team may work from coffee shops, public spaces, or while traveling. Public Wi-Fi networks are a hotbed for cybercriminals who use them to intercept sensitive data.

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, protecting your login credentials, payment information, and other sensitive business data. Provide your team with a company-approved VPN for safer remote work.

Back Up Data Regularly

The holiday season often increases the risk of ransomware attackers, where hackers lock you out of your data and demand payment.

Regularly back up your critical business data, including customer records, financial transactions, and inventory files. You can use both local backups (external hard drives) and cloud storage solutions.

Make sure to test your backups periodically to verify that they work.

Secure Payment Systems

Ensure that your payment systems are compliant with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).

Use secure payment gateways with end-to-end encryption to protect customer data. If you accept in-person payments, make sure your POS systems are tamper-proof and monitored for unauthorized access.

Clearly display your commitment to secure payments to reassure your customers.

Regularly Review Privacy Settings

Social media platforms and other online tools often update their privacy settings without notice. Conduct a quarterly review of privacy settings across your business's accounts to ensure your data remains secure

Disable features that automatically share your location or collect customer information you don't need.

Maintaining tight controls over privacy settings builds trust with your audience.

Limit Access to Sensitive Systems

Restrict administrative access to your most critical systems, such as financial software, customer databases, and inventory management platforms.

Use role-based access controls to assign permission based on job requirements. This practice minimizes the risk of insider threats or accidental misconfigurations that could expose your sensitive data.

Monitor Account Activity

Set up real-time alerts for suspicious login attempts or changes to your accounts.

Many platforms, including banking and e-commerce services, offer tools to notify you of unusual activity.

Respond promptly to these alerts by resetting passwords, verifying transactions, or contacting your provider for further investigation.

Early detection can prevent minor issues from escalating into major breaches.

Happy Holidays

This holiday season, make cybersecurity a priority to ensure smooth operations and maintain your customers' confidence. Implement these tips and make the holidays not just joyful but secure for your business and community.