The festive period is here! For many, working remotely throughout the festive period means we can spend more time with family, enjoy cosy evenings, and maybe even sneak in a mince pie or two. But while we’re relaxing, cybercriminals are working overtime. With increased online shopping, holiday distractions, and remote access to company systems, the risk of cyber threats rises significantly.

Here’s how you can keep your work secure while enjoying the holidays.

• More distractions mean more mistakes – It’s easy to click the wrong link when you’re juggling work and wrapping presents.
• Spike in scams – Phishing emails disguised as delivery notifications or charity appeals are common this time of year.
• Remote access risks – Working from home or on the go means your company data can become more exposed.

• Keep everything up to date – Updates aren’t just about new features; they often include critical security patches. Make sure your laptop, phone, and work-related apps are running the latest versions.
• Use strong Wi-Fi passwords – Avoid simple passwords like “Christmas2025” or “123456”. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi – If you’re travelling or working from a café, steer clear of open networks. If you must connect, use a VPN to encrypt your data and keep prying eyes away.

• Enable antivirus and firewalls – Make sure your security software is active and updated. It’s your first line of defence against malware.
• Lock your screen – Even at home, it’s good practice to lock your device when you step away. It prevents accidental access by family members.
• Separate work and personal devices – Don’t share your work laptop with family members. It’s tempting, but it can lead to accidental data exposure or malware infections.

• Phishing emails – Be cautious of emails claiming to be from delivery companies or charities. Check the sender address and avoid clicking suspicious links.
• Fake deals – If an online offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to trusted retailers and verify URLs before entering payment details.
• Charity donations – Verify websites before donating. Scammers often exploit goodwill during the holidays by creating fake charity pages.

• Use a VPN – Always connect through a secure VPN when accessing company systems. It encrypts your traffic and keeps sensitive data safe.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) – MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification, like a code sent to your phone.
• Don’t share credentials – Never share your login details, even with colleagues. If someone needs access, follow official company procedures.

• Set boundaries – Schedule work hours and stick to them so you can enjoy family time without stress.
• Keep conversations private – Avoid discussing sensitive work topics in public spaces or over unsecured calls.
• Stay alert – A little caution goes a long way in keeping your holiday stress-free and your data secure.

Staying cyber-safe doesn’t mean sacrificing holiday cheer. By following these simple steps, you can protect your data and your company while enjoying time with loved ones. After all, peace of mind is the best gift you can give yourself this Christmas.