8 Essential Holiday Security Tips Every Business Owner Should Know

Is the holiday a time for eggnog, music, and security risks? Absolutely.

Yet,  you can’t enjoy your holidays while your business is at risk. 

Your business’s reputation could get tarnished if a security breach occurs.

This article shows you crucial holiday security tips you can practice immediately.

These business security tips will ensure that you enjoy a worry-free holiday season.

Let’s dive in.

Why is business security important during the holidays?

For instance, you run a successful bakery during the holiday season. But there’s a problem – you forgot to lock the back door.

Anyone can sneak in and steal your secret recipe for gingerbread cookies.

Who wants that? You must close up loopholes and protect your secret recipe.

Cybercriminals look for easy targets during the holiday season. You don’t want to be one of them. 

So, what security tips will help you protect your business during the holidays?

The next few practical security tips will help you during the holidays.

8 holiday security tips to keep your business safe during the holiday season

These preventive security tips will help protect your business during the holiday season.

1. Update all software and security systems

Loopholes make you vulnerable to cybercriminals. They find these loopholes in outdated software and weak security systems. 

Gratefully, you can avoid this. How?

By frequently updating your software and security systems. It’s the first security tip for your business during the holidays.

This includes operating systems, web browsers, firewalls, and antivirus software.

Also check out: 11 Amazing Holiday SMS Templates to Boost Your Sales

That’s how you close up those gaps.

Use automatic updates wherever possible. No need for manual updates. Also, use software that can detect and remove malware and spyware from your systems.

They’re an added layer of protection against cyberattacks.

2. Use strong passwords

Weak passwords are easy to guess.

They make it easier for hackers to access your systems.

So, use strong passwords. And ensure your employees do the same.

What makes a strong password? It’s simple. A strong password is hard to guess.

It should have upper and lower case letters, numbers, and invisible characters. This makes it more difficult to guess.

Now, here’s a holiday tip when using passwords for business security.

Prevent using the same password for different accounts. Why? Because it’s riskier if a hacker gains access to one account.

It’s like a universal key that unlocks everything.

They can use the same password to gain access to other accounts. Also, remember to change passwords regularly. At least once every three months.

Strong passwords reduce the chances of a cyber attack.

Next, your employees.

3. Train employees on cybersecurity best practices

Untrained employees can be your undoing.

Here’s a scenario.

Dave, one of your employees, receives an email with a link. He assumes the email is from the company’s CEO.

The email asks Dave to click the link to update his login credentials. He has no idea it is bait. So, he clicks on the link, and the rest is history.

Also check: How to Avoid Chargeback Fraud: Tools, Tactics, And Best Practices (+ 3 Ways SMS Can Help You)

That’s the effect of a lack of proper cybersecurity training.

As a security tip, you must ensure cyber security awareness for all employees before and during the holidays.

Train them on how to spot and report phishing scams. Do this as often as possible. Regular training keeps employees ahead of the latest threats and best practices.

This way, you can prevent data breaches and protect your business’s reputation.

4. Use two-factor authentication

Let’s imagine your business is a high-end nightclub. And your digital accounts are in the VIP section.

Without protection, anyone can stroll in and wreak havoc.

So as a vital security tip, you must have a bouncer checking IDs at the door during holidays.

Your customers must provide two forms of identification before entering. That’s two-factor authentication. It’s an extra layer of security.

Enable two-factor authentication for your accounts. Employees must verify their identity in two steps before gaining access.

It’s like having a secret handshake or a password-protected door, but even better.

Criminals might get past the first layer of security (maybe a password). But they still can’t access your accounts without the second layer of verification (a text code).

SMSCountry’s OTP SMS service enables virtual VIP passes to your employees. SMSCountry OTP services is fast, secure, and reliable.

This security tip is for small and big businesses and can help keep cybercriminals at bay during the holidays.

So, keep your business secure with two-factor authentication. Don’t let cybercriminals sneak in and ruin your holiday party.

5. Secure all devices

Securing your devices is like locking your diary. You don’t want anyone else reading your juicy secrets.

To secure your business devices, you must enable encryption. It’s like writing in your diary in codes only you understand.

Encourage your employees to lock their devices when they’re not using them. They can’t leave their diary on the table and expect no one to notice.

Do these things, and you’ll reduce the risk of physical theft, social engineering, and data breaches. Also, ensure employees only use company-approved apps and software on their devices.

It’ll help prevent spyware from accessing their devices.

6. Limit access to sensitive data

It’s time to put your inner control freak to good use.

Yes, you read right.

As a vital holiday security tip, you must limit access to sensitive data. This applies to your employees. The fewer people with access, the better.

Think of it like a VIP room. You want to keep the crowd out and only allow the people on the guest list in.

So, create a list of employees who need access to sensitive data.

Next, ensure that only they have access to it.

Train your employees on the importance of confidentiality in their interactions with others.

They must play their part in your business data.

Special tip on this? Apply the carrot-and-stick approach.

A carrot represents bonuses and incentives for maintaining high levels of security. And a stick represents consequences for breaches.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. 

So, limit access to sensitive data. It’s a security tip you mustn’t ignore during the holiday season.

So, grab your control freak hat. Make that VIP list, and keep your sensitive data locked away safely.

We’re almost at the end of this amazing guide, so don’t go yet.

Next tip, your finances.

7. Monitor accounts and transactions

Monitor your accounts and transactions regularly.

It will help you detect any irregularities, like unauthorised or fraudulent activity. This way, you can take action before any severe damage is done.

Think of it like being a detective, investigating any suspicious activity.

Keep an eye out for any unusual transactions or withdrawals. Ensure you review your bank statements as often as possible.

And, if possible, enlist accounting software to monitor your accounts if something seems off. Ask your accountants.

Contact your bank immediately if you suspect any fraudulent activity. Then, take the necessary steps to secure your accounts.

So, put on your detective hat and keep a watchful eye on your accounts. You must prevent potential financial losses during the holiday season.

Finally, our last but not least tip is phishing scams.

8. Be cautious of phishing scams

Phishing attacks are widespread during holidays.

Phishing scams are attempts by cybercriminals to trick you into giving away your sensitive information. This information may include passwords or credit card details.

They do this through fraudulent emails or websites.

Think of it like a game of cat (the cybercriminals) and mouse (you). And, in this game, don’t be a tasty morsel. Be cautious of any emails or websites that seem suspicious.

Never click on any links or download any attachments from unknown sources.

Run simulated phishing attacks on your employees. This will help you test their knowledge and awareness of holiday security tips.

Remember, cybercriminals are always on the naughty list. But you can keep them out of your digital chimney with these holiday security tips.

With SMSCountry’s secure SMS services, you can keep your business and customers’ data safe through secure and always online two-factor authentication.

Use SMSCountry to protect your business and customer data during the holidays

Apply these security tips and protect your business during the holidays. Don’t let your hard work go down the drain.

Don’t let cybercriminals ruin the fun.

Use SMSCountry’s OTP SMS services to protect your business and customer data. 

SMSCountry helps you implement two-factor authentication. Plus, your employees can always report irregularities using SMSCountry’s services.

Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Schedule a demo today and keep your business safe during the holiday season.