Imagine this: It’s Labor Day weekend, and while most people are enjoying barbecues and family time, a CEO decides to stop by his wholesale plant nursery for a quick check-in. What he finds is every business’s worst nightmare — all computers are locked, displaying only a ransom message. The nursery has fallen victim to a devastating cyberattack when no one was watching.
But this isn’t a hypothetical scenario: it actually happened to one of our clients and serves as a stark reminder of the unique vulnerabilities businesses face during holiday periods. In this case, Xantrion stepped in, located unaffected servers and computers, and partially restored operations. But the incident highlights a critical truth: cybercriminals don’t take holidays off. In fact, they often see these periods as prime opportunities to strike.
With the Fourth of July festivities behind us, Labor Day approaching, and folks jetting off for summer vacations, there’s a surge in potential vulnerabilities. In this post, we’ll explore why holidays and the summer season are particularly dangerous from a cybersecurity perspective and provide actionable strategies to help protect your organization.
The holiday cybersecurity landscape
Holiday weekends create a perfect storm of vulnerabilities for businesses. With IT staff on vacation and fewer eyes on systems, cybercriminals seize the chance to launch attacks when defenses are at their weakest. The altered rhythm of business operations during these periods can also make it easier for malicious actors to slip through the cracks.
Statistics paint a sobering picture. According to recent reports, nearly 90% of ransomware attacks occur outside regular business hours, with threat actors particularly favoring holiday weekends. This isn’t coincidental — it’s a deliberate strategy to exploit when businesses are most vulnerable.
Common attack vectors during holidays
During holiday periods, cybercriminals employ various tactics to exploit vulnerabilities in business security. Some of the most common attack methods include:
Phishing campaigns
One of the most prevalent holiday threats is the surge in sophisticated phishing attempts. Cybercriminals often craft convincing emails that appear to come from high-level executives or HR departments. These messages may contain urgent requests or time-sensitive information, counting on distracted recipients operating outside their typical work environment.
For instance, an employee may be relaxing by the pool when they receive a spoofed email from the “CEO” requesting an immediate wire transfer. The unusual circumstances and apparent urgency can lead to hasty decisions and security breaches.
MFA spoofing
In previous posts, we discussed the increasing problems associated with multi-factor authentication (MFA) spoofing attacks. Threat actors are becoming increasingly adept at circumventing this critical security measure, especially when users are less attentive during holidays. These attacks often involve social engineering tactics to trick users into approving fraudulent authentication requests.
Ransomware attacks
As our nursery example demonstrates, ransomware attacks can be particularly devastating during holidays. With reduced IT staff available to monitor systems and respond to threats, the impact can be severe. Ransomware groups often time their attacks to coincide with holidays, knowing that IT response times may be slower and organizations might be more willing to pay to restore operations quickly.
Proactive measures for holiday security
To safeguard your organization against these holiday-specific threats, consider implementing the following preventive strategies:
Employee awareness and training
A well-informed workforce is your organization’s first defense against holiday cyberattacks. Conduct regular training sessions that specifically address the unique risks associated with holiday periods. Emphasize the importance of verifying unusual requests, even if they appear to come from leadership.
And encourage a “trust but verify” approach. For example, if an email from the CEO seems out of character or requests an atypical action, employees should feel empowered to double-check through a separate communication channel.
Consider co-managed IT services
For many organizations — particularly small and medium-sized businesses — maintaining comprehensive 24/7 security coverage can be challenging. But, co-managed IT services can help boost your organization’s overall cybersecurity.
Co-managed service providers like Xantrion offer dedicated personnel to monitor your systems around the clock, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This ensures that your business remains protected even when your internal IT team is enjoying well-deserved time off. Xantrion also provides immediate response to potential threats, minimizing the impact of any security incidents.
Xantrion provides your organization with access to sophisticated security tools and highly trained cybersecurity specialists — things that might otherwise be unaffordable or out of reach for your business. This level of expertise is invaluable in quickly identifying and responding to emerging threats.
Our co-managed services include 24/7 monitoring of your network and systems. This constant vigilance means we can detect and address any suspicious activity, regardless of the time or day. In the event of an incident, we quickly mobilize resources to contain and mitigate the threat.
Cybercriminals don’t take a vacation
The story of our nursery client serves as a powerful reminder: cybercriminals don’t take a vacation, and neither should your cybersecurity efforts. As we approach another holiday weekend, remember to remain vigilant and prepared. By implementing robust employee training, maintaining vigilant security practices, and taking advantage of Xantrion’s always-on co-managed IT services, you can enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.
