During the holiday season [1] [2] [3] [4], cyber threats and attacks increase [3], posing risks to individuals and businesses. This article highlights the various types of cyber threats that are prevalent during this time and provides recommendations to mitigate these risks.
Description
Cyber threats during the holiday season are a serious concern. Ransomware attacks [1] [2] [3], which accounted for nearly 25 percent of malicious attacks in 2023 [4], pose a significant threat. These attacks can result in substantial financial losses, with average costs exceeding $5 million [4]. Access brokers also pose a notable threat [4], engaging in sophisticated social engineering campaigns and orchestrating well-crafted attacks [4].
Phishing attacks escalate during the holiday season, with a surge in promotional emails that mimic seasonal content. Spear-phishing campaigns [4], which boast an average click-through rate of 11 percent [4], also increase [1] [2] [3] [4]. These attacks target individuals and organizations, aiming to steal sensitive information.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks proliferate during the holiday season, particularly targeting eCommerce businesses and financial institutions [4]. The increased traffic and strained networks make companies more vulnerable to denial of service (DoS) attacks [1].
The absence of employees during the holiday season can leave organizations vulnerable [1], as their expertise and understanding of specific systems are offline [1]. This creates opportunities for cyber criminals to exploit weaknesses in security measures.
To prepare for these threats [1], businesses should practice their incident response plans and establish secure communication channels [1]. It is crucial to practice vigilance, strong security practices [4], and increased caution during online transactions to mitigate potential risks and safeguard personal information and financial assets [4].
Conclusion
During the holiday season [1] [2] [3] [4], cyber threats pose significant risks to individuals and businesses. It is important to be aware of the various types of threats, such as ransomware attacks [1], phishing scams [2] [3], and DDoS attacks. Implementing strong security practices, practicing vigilance [4], and establishing secure communication channels can help mitigate these risks.
Looking ahead, it is crucial for individuals and organizations to stay updated on the latest cyber threats and continuously improve their security measures. By doing so, they can protect themselves and their valuable data from potential cyber attacks.
References
[1] https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/3-most-prevalent-cyber-threats-holidays
[2] https://www.kotar.us/blog/the-holiday-season-and-the-hidden-danger-of-data-loss
[3] https://blog.thriveon.net/season-for-increase-in-cyber-crimes-cybersecurity
[4] https://blog.barracuda.com/2023/12/08/cybersecurity-threat-advisory-navigating-holiday-cyber-risks
