The holiday season brings families together, but for cyber criminals, it’s a prime time to strike businesses left vulnerable by vacation absences and relaxed security oversight. This vulnerability was exactly how a Phoenix-based organization with several locations across the valley, faced a nightmare ransomware attack one Thanksgiving.

 

A Holiday Horror Story: Ransomware Attack

The attack began without warning. The systems administrator suddenly couldn’t access anything, and a ransom demand appeared on every server. Hackers had infiltrated their network through a single remote desktop, locking down the entire system and demanding payment. Faced with the possibility of losing critical data and extended downtime, leadership decided to pay the ransom in Bitcoin, hoping the attackers would deliver the encryption keys.

“They could’ve just taken the money and run,” the organization’s IT leader said, recounting the gut-wrenching uncertainty and luck they felt when the keys finally arrived. But even with the keys, restoring the system was an exhausting process. Over 30 servers had to be painstakingly decrypted, one by one, by a single staff member, dragging recovery out for months. The event was described as “painful” and “embarrassing,” especially when they had to explain the situation to upper management.

Their experience serves as a stark reminder: the holiday season is no time to let your guard down. Phishing attacks and ransomware spikes are all too common, and even one misstep can have devastating consequences.

Here’s how you and your team can protect your business from becoming another holiday horror story.

 

Stay Vigilant Against Holiday Phishing Scams: Key Tips for Spotting Suspicious Emails

Watch for Urgent Language
Phishing emails often use scare tactics: “Your account will be locked!” or “Immediate action required!” Slow down and verify messages urging quick action.

Examine the Sender’s Email Address
Cyber criminals can mimic legitimate email addresses with small changes, like extra letters or unusual domains. Double-check the sender’s email for any inconsistencies.

Hover Over Links Without Clicking
By hovering over links, you can see the true URL. Odd or misspelled URLs are red flags. When in doubt, don’t click—verify with the sender or through a trusted source.

Be Skeptical of Holiday Offers or Unexpected Attachments
Emails promoting “exclusive deals” or “holiday giveaways” are common phishing lures. Treat unexpected attachments with caution as well; they can carry malware or ransomware.

Confirm Payment or Account Change Requests Directly
Holiday scams often involve requests to change payment details or send money. Verify any unusual request by contacting the person directly through a known phone number.

Question Generic or Inconsistent Greetings
Be wary of generic greetings like “Dear Customer” or misspelled names. If the tone seems off or inconsistent with the usual style, it could be phishing.

Encourage Open Communication About Mistakes
Remind employees to report any suspicious click immediately, even if they think it was a mistake. Early reporting gives IT a head start to contain any potential threat, reducing the risk of widespread impact.

 

Bottom Line: Stay Alert to Stay Secure

Cyber criminals rely on lapses in attention during the holidays. Following these proactive steps can mean the difference between a smooth season and a costly cyber disaster. Trust your instincts, and verify before acting—just a little extra vigilance can go a long way in protecting your business.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about projecting your business during the holidays!