Avoid Post-Holiday Cybersecurity Pitfalls: Stay Alert to Scammers

The holiday season brings joy, connection, and, unfortunately, a false sense of security. As we return to work after the holidays, the relaxed state of mind many employees carry with them can make organizations more vulnerable to cyber threats. Scammers know this and exploit it, launching targeted attacks during the post-holiday period when vigilance is often at its lowest.

Why the Post-Holiday Period is High Risk

Cybercriminals are opportunistic and well-aware of human behavior. During the post-holiday phase:

1. Employees are less alert: A relaxed mindset can lead to overlooking telltale signs of phishing emails or suspicious links.
2. Inbox overload: Returning to a flood of emails makes it easier to miss subtle red flags in fraudulent messages.
3. Holiday themes persist: Scammers use leftover holiday deals, fake gift card notices, or follow-up invoices to trick unsuspecting employees.
4. Weakened vigilance: Familiarity with routine tasks may lead to shortcuts, such as skipping two-factor authentication (2FA) or reusing passwords.

Common Scams to Watch For

Post-holiday scams often take advantage of seasonal transitions. Watch out for:

• Phishing emails masquerading as package delivery updates or payment reminders.
• Bogus invoices disguised as holiday gift expenses or charitable donations.
• Malicious links in fake New Year’s sales or “annual subscription renewal” notifications.

How CDML Protects You

At CDML Computer Services, we understand that human error is one of the biggest risks to cybersecurity. That’s why we implement multilayered defenses to keep our clients secure, even when their employees are not at their sharpest.

1. Advanced Email Filtering
   Our email filtering systems catch phishing attempts, spam, and malware-laden attachments before they reach your inbox. This reduces the chance of human error.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
   Even if an employee falls for a phishing scam, MFA adds a crucial second layer of defense, making it much harder for cybercriminals to access your systems.
3. Continuous Security Monitoring
   Our proactive monitoring detects suspicious activity in real-time, allowing us to respond quickly to potential threats, whether it’s unusual login patterns or unexpected file access.
4. Employee Security Training
   CDML provides regular training to teach employees how to spot scams and phishing attempts. Educating your workforce is key to minimizing risk.
5. Patch Management
   Keeping your software up to date is critical to closing vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. Our managed services ensure your systems are always current with the latest security patches.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

While CDML’s defenses are robust, your team plays an important role in maintaining cybersecurity. Encourage employees to:

• Pause and think before clicking on links or opening attachments.
• Verify requests for sensitive information or unusual payments through another channel.
• Report suspicious emails to your IT team.

Let’s Tackle Cybersecurity Together

The post-holiday period doesn’t have to be a security minefield. With CDML’s comprehensive cybersecurity measures, you can rest assured that your business is protected. Let us help you stay one step ahead of scammers, ensuring that a relaxed state of mind doesn’t turn into a costly mistake.

For more information on how CDML can help your business stay secure year-round, contact us today.