‘Tis the Season: Why Cyber Attacks Spike During The Holidays and What to Watch For

The holiday season brings joy, festivities, and unfortunately, an increase in cyber threats. While individuals are busy celebrating and businesses are focused on wrapping up the year, cybercriminals seize this opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities. At Fly Consulting, we believe that awareness is the first step toward prevention. Let’s explore why cyberattacks spike during the holidays and what you can do to stay safe.

‘Tis the Season: Why Cyber Attacks Spike During The Holidays and What to Watch For

Cybercriminals Love the Holidays

Holidays create a unique set of circumstances that make both businesses and individuals more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Here are the key factors contributing to the rise in attacks:

1. Reduced Security Staff

During the holidays, many businesses operate with reduced staff. IT teams often have fewer people available to monitor systems, respond to alerts, and address vulnerabilities. This creates an ideal environment for hackers to launch attacks, knowing there are fewer defenders on the front lines.

2. Distracted Employees

The holiday season is a busy and stressful time. Employees juggling personal and professional commitments may not give full attention to cybersecurity protocols. This distraction can lead to mistakes, such as clicking on suspicious links or inadvertently sharing sensitive information.

3. Increased Online Shopping

E-commerce activity soars during the holiday season, providing cybercriminals with ample opportunities to execute phishing scams and create fake websites. These schemes often trick shoppers into sharing credit card details, login credentials, or personal information, resulting in financial and identity theft.

4. Public Wi-Fi Usage

Traveling for the holidays often means connecting to public Wi-Fi at airports, hotels, and cafes. These networks are notoriously insecure, making it easy for hackers to intercept data, such as login credentials and payment information, through man-in-the-middle attacks.

5. Rushed Decision-Making

As businesses and individuals rush to complete tasks before the holidays, there’s a higher likelihood of skipping critical checks or ignoring security best practices. Hackers exploit this urgency, knowing that decisions made in haste are more likely to result in errors.

6. Holiday-Themed Phishing Scams

Cybercriminals craft phishing scams tailored to the holiday season. Common tactics include emails posing as package delivery notifications, holiday sales promotions, or charity donation requests. These scams often contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal sensitive information or install malware.

Real-World Consequences of Holiday Cyber Attacks

Cyberattacks during the holidays can have far-reaching consequences for both individuals and businesses:

• For Individuals: Stolen credit card information, compromised online accounts, and identity theft can lead to financial loss and emotional distress. Recovering from these attacks can take months.
• For Businesses: A successful cyberattack can result in data breaches, financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. For small businesses, the financial impact can be devastating.

‘Tis the Season: Why Cyber Attacks Spike During The Holidays and What to Watch For

Types of Cyber Threats Most Common Around the Holidays

Cybercriminals ramp up their efforts during the holidays, deploying a variety of tactics to exploit distracted individuals and understaffed businesses. Understanding the types of threats most prevalent during this time can help you recognize and respond to them effectively.

1. Phishing Attacks

Phishing is one of the most widespread holiday threats, with hackers sending fraudulent emails designed to trick recipients into providing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. These emails often use holiday themes to appear legitimate, such as:

• Fake Delivery Notifications: Emails that claim to be from shipping companies like FedEx or UPS, urging you to click a link to track a package.
• Holiday Sales Scams: Offers for “unbeatable discounts” that redirect users to fake websites designed to steal payment details.
• Charity Scams: Emails requesting donations for fake charities, taking advantage of the season of giving.

Statistics:
According to a 2023 report by the Anti-Phishing Working Group, phishing attacks increased by 35% during the holiday season, with retail and e-commerce industries being prime targets.

2. Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware incidents surge during the holidays as businesses are often understaffed, making them less likely to detect and respond to intrusions. Hackers infiltrate systems, encrypt critical data, and demand payment to restore access.

Example:
In late December 2022, a major logistics company faced a ransomware attack that disrupted operations during peak holiday shipping, resulting in delayed deliveries and significant financial losses.

Statistics:
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported a 20% increase in ransomware attacks during holiday periods, with ransom demands often exceeding $1 million.

3. Fake E-Commerce Websites

Cybercriminals create fraudulent online stores that mimic legitimate retailers to deceive holiday shoppers. These websites lure victims with deep discounts on popular products and then steal payment information or deliver counterfeit goods.

Example:
In 2022, security researchers identified over 2,000 fake websites imitating popular brands like Amazon and Walmart, targeting holiday shoppers.

Statistics:
A survey by cybersecurity firm Mimecast revealed that 22% of consumers unknowingly made purchases from fraudulent websites during the holiday season, resulting in millions of dollars in losses.

4. Credential Stuffing

Credential stuffing attacks involve hackers using stolen usernames and passwords from previous breaches to gain unauthorized access to accounts. During the holidays, these attacks target online shopping platforms and financial accounts, capitalizing on increased e-commerce activity.

Example:
In December 2021, several large retailers reported spikes in account takeovers, where hackers used stolen credentials to make fraudulent purchases.

Statistics:
The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reported that credential stuffing incidents rose by 30% during the last holiday season, with billions of login attempts targeting retail and travel websites.

5. Public Wi-Fi Exploits

Public Wi-Fi networks, commonly used by travelers during the holidays, are a hotbed for cyberattacks. Hackers use techniques like man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks to intercept sensitive data such as passwords, credit card details, and emails.

Example:
A security study found that 25% of travelers accessed sensitive accounts, such as online banking, while connected to public Wi-Fi during holiday travel—often without using a VPN.

Statistics:
A 2022 report from Norton revealed that 40% of public Wi-Fi users during the holidays were targeted by some form of malicious activity, including data theft and malware distribution.

‘Tis the Season: Why Cyber Attacks Spike During The Holidays and What to Watch For

6. Holiday-Themed Malware Campaigns

Cybercriminals use festive themes to spread malware through email attachments or downloads. These campaigns often disguise malware as holiday cards, gift certificates, or promotional coupons.

Example:
In December 2022, a malicious campaign disguised as holiday e-cards infected thousands of users’ systems with spyware that stole personal and financial information.

Statistics:
According to Check Point Research, there was a 50% increase in malware attacks during the holiday season, with email attachments being the primary delivery method.

How to Stay Safe During the Holidays

While the holiday season presents unique challenges, proactive measures can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyberattacks. Here are some practical tips:

For Individuals:

1. Be Wary of Phishing Scams:
   Scrutinize emails claiming to be from retailers, delivery companies, or charities. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments unless you’re certain of their legitimacy.
   
2. Secure Your Online Shopping:
   Shop only on trusted websites and verify that the URL begins with “https.” Use credit cards instead of debit cards for online purchases, as they offer better fraud protection.
   
3. Avoid Public Wi-Fi:
   If you must use public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing sensitive accounts or entering personal information. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
   
4. Monitor Your Financial Accounts:
   Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions. Early detection is key to minimizing the damage.
   
5. Use Strong, Unique Passwords:
   Ensure your passwords are strong and unique for each account. Consider using a password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
   

For Businesses:

1. Maintain Security Monitoring:
   Even with reduced staff, ensure your security systems are actively monitored. Consider outsourcing to a managed security service provider for 24/7 coverage.
   
2. Educate Employees:
   Conduct regular cybersecurity training, emphasizing the risks of phishing, the importance of secure online practices, and the dangers of using public Wi-Fi.
   
3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
   Add an extra layer of protection to sensitive accounts and systems by requiring MFA, which significantly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access.
   
4. Back Up Critical Data:
   Regularly back up your systems and data. Ensure backups are stored securely and can be quickly restored in the event of a ransomware attack or system compromise.
   
5. Update Software and Systems:
   Apply security updates and patches to all software, systems, and devices to close known vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
   
6. Communicate with Customers:
   Inform your customers about common holiday scams and how to verify legitimate communications from your business. This not only protects them but also builds trust.

‘Tis the Season: Why Cyber Attacks Spike During The Holidays and What to Watch For

Protect Yourself from Holiday Cyber Threats

Awareness of these threats is the first step in avoiding them. By recognizing the tactics cybercriminals use and taking preventive measures, you can safeguard your personal and business assets. Fly Consulting offers expert guidance and solutions to help you defend against these risks. Contact us today for a customized cybersecurity plan to keep your holidays secure.

You Better Watch Out, You Better Call Fly

You better not pout- let us tell you why. The holidays should be a time for celebration, not for dealing with cybersecurity crises. At Fly Consulting, we specialize in helping businesses and individuals fortify their defenses against cyber threats. Our tailored solutions include:

• Comprehensive risk assessments
• 24/7 monitoring and threat detection
• Employee cybersecurity training
• Incident response planning

Let us help you stay ahead of cybercriminals this holiday season and beyond. Contact Fly Consulting today for a consultation and ensure your holidays remain joyful and secure.