Holiday Mode: How to Secure Your Tech While You’re Out of Office
As summer approaches and holiday season kicks in, it's tempting to completely switch off — and you should! But while you’re relaxing, cyber criminals often see the “out of office” period as the perfect time to strike. Whether you’re a business owner or an individual heading off on a break, now’s the time to make sure your tech and data are properly protected.
At Counter-Act Systems, we’ve put together some essential tips to help you safeguard your devices, systems, and sensitive information while you’re away.
For Businesses: Stay Secure While the Office Is Empty
1. Set Up Out-of-Office with Care
Make sure your automatic replies don’t overshare. Avoid giving specific dates, locations, or naming colleagues with full contact details – this info can be harvested for phishing attacks.
2. Limit Access
If only a skeleton team is in during summer, review who has access to what. Temporarily suspend unused accounts or restrict admin privileges to minimise risk.
3. Update and Patch Everything
Ensure all systems, firewalls, antivirus software, and operating systems are fully updated before you head out. Vulnerabilities often go unpatched during holiday periods — don’t let yours be one of them.
4. Back-Up Your Data
Backups are crucial year-round, but especially before holidays. Make sure everything is securely backed up, ideally using both cloud and physical solutions.
5. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Adding an extra layer of login security can make all the difference if a password gets compromised. Enable MFA across email accounts, cloud software, and remote access systems.
For Personal Users: Tech Tips for Travel
1. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Without a VPN
Free hotel or airport Wi-Fi may be convenient, but it’s often unsecured. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and protect your browsing.
2. Password-Protect All Devices
Laptops, tablets, and smartphones should all have strong passwords, PINs or biometric locks. If your device is lost or stolen, this is your first line of defence.
3. Turn Off Auto-Connect
Many devices automatically connect to known Wi-Fi networks. Disable this feature to avoid connecting to fake or malicious hotspots while travelling.
4. Bring a Power Bank, Not a Problem
Avoid public charging ports – these can be compromised with “juice jacking” malware. Carry your own power bank or plug directly into a wall socket.
5. Keep Location Sharing Limited
Think twice before sharing holiday snaps in real time. Broadcasting your location publicly can alert opportunists that your home or business is empty.
Bonus Tip: Schedule an IT Health Check Before You Go
Whether you're locking the office for two weeks or setting up to work remotely from a beachside café, having your systems checked over by our experts can prevent major headaches later. From backups to cyber protection, we can help you step into holiday mode with confidence.
Need help securing your tech before you jet off?
Get in touch with the team at Counter-Act Systems – your local IT experts, keeping businesses and homes secure across Milton Keynes and beyond.
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