As your business prepares to wind down for the festive season, cyber‑threats won’t take a break, in fact, they could become more prevalent. Strategies like regular penetration testing and an IT‑risk assessment isn’t just good practice, it could be your holiday shield.

In fact, one report shows that cyber‑attacks on businesses increase by about 30% during public holidays such as Christmas, when operations are quieter and defences may be lower.

With staff away, fewer eyes on systems and an uptick in remote login activity, your business can become a target for scammers, phishing campaigns, invoice fraud or worse. This period of reduced oversight calls for sharper precautions. Below we’ll walk through the key risks you must watch for and five solid tips to help you stay secure over the festive break.

What are the cybersecurity risks over Christmas?

Many of these cybersecurity risks exist year-round, but they tend to spike over the Christmas period. For example:

  • Increased risk of fraud: Cyber threat actors can make fake accounts, steal payment details and find vulnerabilities in your systems.
  • More phishing emails: Scammers target staff with fake invoices, delivery notices, or bonus messages to steal passwords or access systems.
  • Rise in remote working: Staff logging in from personal devices and home networks can open doors to cyber threat actors.
  • Reduced IT oversight: Reduced staff over the Christmas period means slower detection and response to incidents.
  • Increase in ransomware attacks: The end of the year often sees a spike in ransomware attacks. In fact, ransomware attacks surged to an all-time high in December 2024.

While these risks tend to rise over Christmas, there are practical steps you can take to strengthen your cybersecurity. Below we explain how to stay protected!

5 tips to strengthen your cybersecurity posture over the festive period

1. Run a penetration test

A penetration test is a controlled simulation of a cyberattack, designed to uncover real vulnerabilities in your system, before a real attacker does. Essentially, it is the most effective way to test your systems so you can fix weak points before they’re exploited by cyber threat actors.

A penetration test might reveal:

  • Outdated web applications with known security flaws
  • Misconfigured firewalls or security groups
  • Exposed login credentials from previous data breaches
  • Unsecured APIs that leak sensitive data
  • Weak password policies or lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA)
  • Open ports that shouldn't be accessible from the internet
  • Inactive user accounts with high-level access
  • Poor session management or expired SSL certificates
  • Directory traversal or injection vulnerabilities
  • Third-party plugins or services with known exploits

These are all things attackers actively scan for to then access your systems. The insights help you patch the right areas fast, and give you confidence that your core systems are protected during the Christmas break.

FACT: Research shows, the average cost of a significant cyber attack in the UK is  £195,000. To protect your assets, a penetration test is a smart, small investment with a big return.

2. Evaluate IT policies and procedures

A quick IT policies and procedures review before everyone clocks off can make the difference between being prepared or blindsided. An IT policies and procedures review can identify what aspects of your IT systems are most at risk over the break. This helps you put controls in place based on likelihood and impact.

Use this time to:

  • Review critical systems that must stay online.
  • Flag high-risk user accounts (e.g. admin access).
  • Check backup and recovery procedures.
  • Identify any third-party platforms or vendors with access to your systems.

The NIST Risk Management Framework is a good reference for doing this properly. It helps businesses assess risks in a structured and repeatable way. Even a lightweight version can give you peace of mind heading into the holidays.

3. Set secure out-of-office replies

Out-of-office replies are an often-overlooked risk. If your auto-response shares personal mobile numbers, or internal structure, that’s information a hacker can use in a targeted phishing attack. This is also known as spear phishing.

Instead, keep your message simple and vague. Here’s a safe default:

“Thanks for your email. We’re currently out of the office and will respond after [date]. For urgent matters, please contact [team inbox or generic address].”

This avoids exposing your business to unnecessary social engineering risks.

4. Enable automatic software updates

FACT: According to CSO Online, 60% of data breaches are linked to unpatched vulnerabilities.

Unpatched software is one of the most common entry points for attackers. Cybercriminals actively scan the internet for systems running outdated software, especially over holiday periods when updates are delayed.

Make sure that:

  • Operating systems and browsers on staff devices auto-update.
  • Business-critical tools (VPNs, email platforms, CRMs) are running the latest security patches.
  • Endpoint protection software is up to date.
  • Staff are aware that they might require updated software.

5. Monitor for unusual activity

Even with reduced staff, someone needs to keep an eye on what's happening in your network. Cyberattacks often begin with small signs such as:

  • Repeated failed login attempts
  • Logins from unfamiliar IPs or locations
  • Access at unusual times
  • Unusual outbound traffic
  • New or unrecognised devices
  • Disabled security tools
  • Unexpected admin access
  • Unapproved system changes
  • Frequent account lockouts

You don’t need a full 24/7 security team, but basic monitoring, clear responsibilities, and a plan for escalating suspicious activity can make all the difference in catching an attack early.

FAQs

What is a penetration test?

A penetration test is an ethical hacking exercise where security experts simulate attacks to find and fix vulnerabilities in your systems before cybercriminals do.

Why is cybersecurity important during holidays?

Because businesses often have fewer staff monitoring systems, making them an easy target for attackers looking for gaps in defences.

How often should I conduct a penetration test?

At least once a year, and ideally before any major downtime such as holiday periods or big staff transitions.

Should we shut down unused systems during the break?

Yes. If certain systems won’t be in use, it’s best to shut them down. Fewer active services mean fewer potential attack surfaces.

What if we detect a cyber incident during the break?

Have an incident response plan ready. Know who’s on call, what steps to take, and how to communicate internally. Time is critical in limiting damage.