This holiday season, it's crucial to prioritize your online security amid the festivities. Cybercriminals are opportunistic, and the holiday spirit can sometimes make individuals more susceptible to online threats. To ensure a safe and secure holiday season, here are six essential tips:

Before winding down for the holidays, take a moment to conduct end-of-year backups. Following the 3-2-1 rule—making three copies of your data, on two different types of storage media, and with one stored offsite—ensures that your critical files are secure. Whether you're heading on leave or staying on as part of a skeleton crew, regular backups are your safety net against data loss.

Never leave your devices unattended, especially in public spaces. Whether it's a smartphone, laptop, or any storage media, an unattended device is an open invitation for malicious actors. Lock your devices, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and ensure sensitive data is protected with strong passwords and encryption.

Resist the temptation to plug in stray USB drives found in public places. Cybercriminals often use this tactic to distribute malware. Once inserted, these drives can silently install malicious code, compromising your data and credentials. Exercise caution and avoid potential security risks associated with unknown USB drives.

Public Wi-Fi hotspots are convenient but can be risky. Cybercriminals often target unsecured networks to steal sensitive information. If you must use public Wi-Fi, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or connect to secured networks that require a password. Avoid accessing sensitive services like online banking, and ensure the websites you visit are secure (HTTPS).

While 'Out of Office' messages are courteous, be mindful of the information you share. Cybercriminals can use detailed out-of-office notifications to launch socially engineered attacks. Keep your messages brief and avoid over-sharing personal details, especially about your whereabouts during the holidays.

Regularly update your software and applications to patch vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals often exploit weaknesses in unpatched services, especially during times when security may be lax. Install updates before shutting down your devices for the holidays, providing an added layer of protection.

By incorporating these six essential tips into your holiday routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online threats. Remember to stay vigilant, prioritize your cybersecurity, and enjoy a safe and secure holiday season.

Where to find more information

Loyal I.T. Solutions provides advice and implementation of the right hardware and software for your business. We are here to help. Please contact Loyal I.T. Solutions at 02 4337 0700 or reception@loyalit.com.au.