Don’t Let Hackers Crash Your Holiday Cheer

As the festive season approaches, most of us are winding down and looking forward to a well-earned break. Unfortunately, the bad guys don’t take holidays. In fact, this time of year is prime time for cyberattacks and small businesses are increasingly in the firing line.

“We’re a Small New Zealand Business – They Won’t Bother with Us”

This is one of the most dangerous myths out there. Cybercriminals don’t discriminate based on size or location. They use automation scripts and bots to scan the internet for weaknesses, so if your business has them, you’re a target. We’ve already seen a spike in activity against small businesses in recent weeks, attackers know that many companies relax their guard during the holidays.

Why Are Small Businesses Attractive Targets?

• Limited resources: Smaller teams often lack dedicated security staff.
• Valuable data: Customer details, payment information, and business credentials are all worth money.
• Lower defences: Attackers assume smaller businesses won’t have strong protections in place.
• Your email systems can be weaponised: Attackers may use your email accounts and contact lists to launch phishing attacks on your clients and suppliers, damaging your reputation and theirs.

Five Quick Ways to Stay Safe

You don’t need advanced tools, just smart habits:

1. Think before you click
   If a link feels off, don’t open it. Phishing remains one of the easiest ways attackers steal access.
2. Log out properly
   Closing your browser isn’t the same as signing out.
3. Avoid public Wi-Fi
   If you must use it, don’t access sensitive work apps.
4. Keep updates turned on
   Browsers, apps, and operating systems should automatically update.
5. Lock your device
   Even during a quick coffee run, physical access can be all someone needs.

Bonus Tip:
If you get an MFA prompt you didn’t initiate, do not approve it. Attackers often rely on people approving out of habit.

Stay Vigilant – Even During the Holidays

Cybercriminals rely on automation to find easy targets, and small businesses often fit that profile. Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem; it’s a business survival issue. A single breach can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and downtime, something no one wants when everyone is enjoying their summer break.

If you’re unsure about your security posture or want advice tailored to your business, get in touch with us today. Let’s make sure your summer break is about relaxation, not cyber incidents.

Visit Cyber Security – Focus Technology to explore our full range of cyber security services.