Many people around the world, and indeed businesses at this time of the year are starting to slow down, and are beginning to go on holidays before returning for the new year in 2021.
And while many look forward to a break, there are some people who don't take a break, and some who don't take a holiday, instead seeking to continue to ply their illegal activities - and when it comes to the world wide web and/or the internet, these people are known as hackers and cyber criminals.
The incidence of cyber attacks occurring on or around the end of the year has in recent years shown to be higher, and cyber criminals and hackers know that network, web site, and application monitoring tends to be lower, and that people tend to be more trusting around holiday events (when goodwill and relaxed attitudes tend to be higher).
So with the end of the year in mind, and in knowing that there are nefarious and bad actors out there who will seek to do you or your business harm, what are some of the ways you can mitigate a cyber attack from occurring?
These top six cyber security holiday tips from WebGo should give you an added layer of security, and peace-of-mind when it comes to keeping you, and your business safe when online.
1. Hire a professional company (like WebGo) to audit, consult, and advise on IT security methods, and techniques to mitigate the risk of a cyber attack, or intrusion from occurring. Concerned about your IT security, or in extreme circumstances are you concerned that you may have come under cyber attack? Contact WebGo.
2. Actively keep website and application security updates, and patches up-to-date year-round, but especially active during holiday periods. Need help and assistance applying security patches and updates to your website? Contact WebGo for a no obligation free discussion.
3. Purchase antivirus software, and run regular scans of your mobile devices, PC's, and laptops and keep the software up-to-date. Need advice on what antivirus software to use? WebGo partners with leading antivirus software vendors, so we can provide the best advice and the best products available on the market today. Contact WebGo for a free chat on antivirus software.
4. Invest in an SSL certificate from WebGo to ensure your customers data is encrypted (when transmitting across networks) at all times.
5. Use end-to-end encrypted (mobile, laptop, or PC) messaging programs (such as WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram etc) when transmitting sensitive information with staff, clients, suppliers, or others.
6. Use a VPN application from WebGo when out-and-about (on mobile telephone networks), and ensure that the connection is set to 'Australia' when in all overseas locations. Also use a VPN when you're using public wifi networks (this includes hotels/motels/Air BNBs, bars, cafes, airport terminals, railway stations, and bus stations, and anywhere else where there may be a 'free WIFI' connection available. Using a VPN on ALL of your devices will ensure that your data is encrypted, and not able to be intercepted by criminals, and bad cyber actors seeking to exploit your data.
These six steps taken during holiday periods will help to protect you and your business, and interests, and ensure that you have 'peace-of-mind' when sitting down with the family around the Christmas table. Of course, there are many other ways to keep your data safe and secure, and WebGo can advise on what those steps are on a case-by-case basis. Each client is unique in terms of what their IT Security posture will be, so contact WebGo today to receive a free no-obligation telephone discussion on your IT security needs.
Don't get caught out this holiday period - it's never too late to secure your network, contact WebGo if you have questions, or concerns, and in extreme cases when a suspected cyber attack or intrusion has occurred.
