The holiday season is here, and so are the online deals. But before you click "Buy Now," let's talk about something that often gets overlooked in the rush: cyber safety during peak shopping season.
Here's what many business leaders don't realize—the shopping habits of your team members directly impact your company's security. When employees shop online from work devices, use weak passwords, or fall for holiday-themed phishing scams, they're inadvertently opening doors for cybercriminals. And those same threats? They apply to your personal shopping too.
The good news: with just a few strategic precautions, you and your team can shop safely without sacrificing convenience or missing those limited-time deals.
The Reality of Holiday Cyberthreats
Cybersecurity research consistently shows that phishing attempts surge during the holiday season. Kaspersky's 2024 report found that phishing attempts increased over 26% year-over-year, with holiday-related spikes driving fraudulent campaigns targeting travelers and shoppers. Whether you're buying gifts for family or ordering supplies for the office, the stakes are real.
But here's the empowering part: most cyber threats during holiday shopping are preventable with the right approach.
Why This Matters for Your Business
Here's where it gets personal: your team's shopping habits can become your company's security vulnerability. When employees use the same password for their Netflix account and their work email, or when they shop from unsecured networks while checking work emails, they're creating entry points for attackers.
By sharing this checklist with your team and modeling good cyber hygiene during the holidays, you're doing more than protecting personal finances — you're building a security culture that strengthens your entire organization.
Beyond the Checklist: Real Protection
These seven practices cover the most critical holiday shopping threats. But cyber threats evolve constantly, and a truly secure business requires more than just individual awareness.
That's where professional IT management comes in. Heritage Digital helps businesses create comprehensive security strategies that protect both corporate systems and employee devices. We've guided countless organizations through cyber readiness, from implementing multi-factor authentication across the board to ensuring all devices stay updated automatically.
Think of it this way: the checklist is your immediate defense. Professional cybersecurity is your long-term strategy.
Ready to Shop Smart This Season?
With these seven practices in place, you can shop confidently during this holiday season. But if you're looking to strengthen your organization's overall security posture—not just during the holidays, but year-round—we're here to help.
Questions about your business's cyber readiness? Let's talk.
Call us at 843-699-1001 or book a consultation to discuss how we can help your team stay secure—this season and beyond.
About the Author
Marty Parker
Owner & CEO
Marty is the Owner & CEO of Heritage Digital. With over 30 years of experience in building and leading top-notch IT teams, Marty has a rich background in both the manufacturing and healthcare sectors. He spent 13 years in each industry before taking the helm at Heritage Digital. Before leading Heritage Digital, he served as the CIO of Carolinas Hospital System (now MUSC Health Florence Medical Center). Marty is dedicated to educating and safeguarding people from cyber threats.
