All Cybercriminals Want for Christmas is Your Data

All Cybercriminals Want for Christmas is Your Data

As the holiday season approaches, many of us shift our focus to celebrations, shopping, and spending time with loved ones. Threat actors and cybercriminals are also preparing for the season—but with malicious intentions.

The holidays are prime time for ransomware attacks, and this year will be no exception. Cybercriminals won’t be home for Christmas – even if you are.

But why do these attacks escalate during the holidays?

Online activity is higher than usual. With enticing offers on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and more, the holiday season sees a surge in online shopping, with consumers flocking to e-commerce sites. Cybercriminals exploit this uptick by deploying phishing emails, fake websites, and malicious ads to spread ransomware. All it takes is one careless click to compromise your data.

Fewer employees are working. Many are closed for a few days or more, and employees utilize vacation time. Cybercriminals know this, and their attacks often coincide with long weekends or holiday breaks. When an organization operates with a skeleton crew, it can mean delayed responses to security threats, making businesses an easier target for ransomware attacks.

Attack methods have become more sophisticated. Ransomware tactics have evolved. Cybercriminals target sensitive organizational data, threatening to leak it unless a ransom is paid. The emotional and reputational stakes are higher, and during the holidays, attackers leverage the pressure of disrupted operations to extract quicker payouts.

With these conditions in place, many organizations are at risk for a ransomware attack during the most wonderful time of the year. These attacks result in disrupted operations, financial losses, and compromised data. Not to mention the emotional stress of the response and recovery process.

In our next post, we will outline some ways organizations can minimize their risk of a ransomware attack this holiday season. Don’t have a Blue Christmas without protection.  Contact us today for a consultation or to schedule a penetration test.

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About the author
Jennifer Vosburgh is a seasoned Marketing and Communications professional. With over 15 years of experience, she has a strong background in Marketing, Communications, and Event Management. As Vice President of Tego Data Systems in Raleigh, NC, Jennifer is responsible for delivering full-scale Marketing Campaigns across all platforms including website, email, social media, events, and more.
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