Security awareness training provider CybeReady has introduced the company’s 2023 Holiday CISO Toolkit, an insightful guide designed to reinforce cybersecurity awareness for organizations during the holiday season. The complimentary downloadable manual is meticulously crafted to equip employees with essential knowledge and strategies to counteract the heightened cyber threats present during this time of the year.
During the 2022 holiday shopping season, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received reports from almost 12,000 victims with a loss of over $73 million. As reported recently by the FBI, the increased incidence of cyberattacks during holidays highlights an ongoing trend by cybercriminals and is indicative of attackers strategically exploiting times when employees and organizations are likely to have lowered defenses due to reduced vigilance.
The predictability of holidays allows attackers to carefully plan their activities. Knowing when organizations might be more vulnerable due to reduced staffing and this insight enables them to time their attacks for maximum effect. Moreover, the global nature of cybercrime means that attackers operating in different time zones can launch attacks when it’s most advantageous for them, which may coincide with times when their targets are least prepared. To assist in countering these threats, CybeReady has prepared the Holiday Manual available here. The Manual allows CISOs to send their employees easy, friendly tips to ensure their safety during the holidays. Key highlights of the Holiday Manual include:
- Safeguarding Online Shopping Practices: The manual provides insights into identifying secure e-commerce platforms, avoiding deceptive bargains, and recognizing signs of potential scams, a common trap during the busy shopping season.
- Combatting Delivery Fraud: In anticipation of holiday orders, the guide educates employees on identifying and avoiding fraudulent delivery notifications, a tactic frequently employed by cybercriminals.
- Secure Travel Guidelines: The toolkit offers practical advice for safe travel during the holidays, emphasizing the use of personal devices, secure connections, and the importance of data backup and communication plans.
- Avoiding Event Ticket Scams: With an increase in event ticket fraud during the holidays, the manual advises purchasing tickets from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit or resold tickets.
Charitable Giving with Caution: The guide underscores the importance of verifying charitable organizations before making donations, safeguarding against fraudulent schemes that exploit the season’s goodwill.
“The holiday season, while a time for celebration and joy, unfortunately, always experiences a spike in cyber threats,” said Eitan Fogel, CEO of CybeReady. “Our Holiday CISO Toolkit is a testament to the company’s commitment to proactive cybersecurity education. We aim to empower employees with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate the digital landscape safely, ensuring a secure and joyful holiday season for all.”
CybeReady encourages organizations to download the free holiday security preparedness manual and share it with their teams. This proactive approach plays a crucial role in ensuring a cyber-safe holiday season.
