It goes without saying that the holiday season is a breeding ground for network attacks, with cybercriminals capitalizing on the increased online activity and distracted users.
In fact, there’s a reported 30% increase in ransomware attacks over the holiday season compared to the monthly average and a 70% increase during November and December alone.
As workloads increase ahead of significant time off and employees in the office decrease, it creates fertile ground for cybercriminals to map networks and launch attacks across your entire security surface.
So, with Christmas less than a week away, what can we do to protect our networks and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals?
'Tis the season for seamless networks! Let’s take a look at our 3 expert tips and set the stage for a high-performance network throughout the holiday festivities. 👇
It's no secret that security teams have witnessed a dramatic surge in phishing attacks over the past several months. With phishing incidents already on the upswing, the vulnerability of your network is at an increased risk for compromise as employees receive 100x more emails.
The Identity Theft Resource Center reported a 22% increase in phishing incidents over the holiday season.
The best way to mitigate those threats?
CISA recommends using phishing-resistant MFA as a way to improve overall cloud security against phishing attacks.
According to TechRepublic, “The most popular method of phishing-resistant MFA is Fast ID Online/WebAuthn authentication. According to CISA, this type of MFA works in one of two ways: through separate physical tokens that are connected to a USB or NFC device or authenticators that are embedded into laptops or mobile devices.”
By adopting robust security measures like phishing-resistant MFA, you not only safeguard your network from the escalating risks of phishing attacks but also fortify it against evolving threats, ensuring a resilient defense during the holiday season and beyond.
The noise is only getting louder.
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, new threats emerge constantly, so auditing your network's security posture becomes paramount.
Regular assessments allow for the identification and patching of vulnerabilities, ensuring that your systems are fortified against potential exploits. By staying vigilant and proactive through systematic security audits, you not only mitigate risks but also maintain a robust defense that can withstand the dynamic challenges and increase in threats during the holiday season.
While patching vulnerabilities is crucial, what happens when a threat exploits an unnoticed gap? 👀
What’s the adage? Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
Unfortunately, cybersecurity is no different.
Having an efficient and streamlined backup and disaster recovery plan is the key to ensuring your digital assets are not just protected but poised for a swift recovery in the face of unforeseen challenges.
The best way to do that? Let’s take a look at our best practices below!👇
Data Backup
✅ Regularly back up critical data to a secure offsite location.
✅ Implement automated backup processes for consistency.
✅ Ensure redundancy to guard against data loss.
Disaster Recovery Procedures
✅ Develop detailed procedures for different disaster scenarios.
✅ Establish a clear chain of command and responsibilities.
✅ Test the procedures regularly to ensure effectiveness.
Security Measures
✅ Implement encryption for sensitive data during backups.
✅ Control access to backup systems to prevent unauthorized entry.
✅ Regularly update security protocols to address emerging threats.
Documentation and Communication
✅ Maintain thorough documentation of the entire plan.
✅ Clearly communicate the plan to all relevant stakeholders.
✅ Provide training sessions to ensure everyone understands their role.
Monitoring and Maintenance
✅ Implement continuous monitoring for potential issues.
✅ Regularly review and update the plan to reflect changes in technology, infrastructure, and potential threats.
When you stay on top of these proactive measures, you're not just shielding your systems from the holiday season's hustle and bustle, you're also making a personal commitment to keeping your surface resilient and secure.
As digital activities surge during this festive period, intensifying the scrutiny of network behavior is critical.
A proactive approach entails keeping a meticulous eye on all network activities, emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing potential security breaches quickly.
We suggest employing advanced monitoring tools that provide real-time insights and alerts into network traffic. Implement intelligent algorithms capable of detecting unusual or suspicious patterns, signaling a potential threat.
Employing a solution that automates the tracking and identifying of user behavior analytics (UBA) adds a layer of sophistication to your monitoring efforts. UBA analyzes the patterns of individual users, helping to identify deviations from normal behavior that may signal a compromise.
Elevate your cybersecurity game by personally monitoring network behavior with unwavering attention. This approach ensures not just security but peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy the holiday season without a cybersecurity worry in sight.
As we continue to evolve our security systems to meet digital expectations, your team must be prepared for the attacks ahead.
Our security solutions keep your security infrastructure proactive, not reactive, helping you on your journey to creating a resilient network.
If you have any questions regarding securing your network, contact solutions@avexon.com.
🚀Let’s secure and supercharge your network, together.
