{"id":4686,"date":"2025-12-18T03:45:36","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T03:45:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=4686"},"modified":"2025-12-18T03:45:36","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T03:45:36","slug":"beware-of-christmas-cyber-criminals-stealing-data-daily-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/microvibenews.com\/?p=4686","title":{"rendered":"Beware of Christmas cyber criminals stealing data \u2013 Daily Business"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"cybercrime\"\"cybercrime\"
Check your data is secure over the festive season<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Businesses are being warned that cyber criminals see Christmas as a prime opportunity to steal critical business data due to staff being distracted by the holiday season.<\/p>\n

Paul Kelly, head of cyber services at UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets, is urging companies to stay alert.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile many businesses and individuals are preparing for festive celebrations and winding down for the holidays, cyber criminals are gearing up for one of their busiest periods of the year,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cCyber threats are a year-round concern, but the holiday season creates a perfect opportunity for attackers to steal critical data such as payroll and customer details and other sensitive information.\u00a0 Reduced staff numbers, increased online activity and the general distraction of the festive period make organisations more vulnerable.<\/p>\n

\u201cCriminals exploit this environment, knowing that companies may inadvertently drop their guard and leave the front door open to digital theft, creating malevolent opportunities for potential fraud, phishing attempts and ransomware threats.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year has already seen some of the biggest cyber-attacks on record, targeting global enterprises and critical infrastructure. Marks & Spencer, Co-op, Jaguar Land Rover and Harrods are among UK companies affected.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese incidents underline the scale and sophistication of modern cybercrime, and why vigilance is essential, especially now,\u201d Mr Kelly added.<\/p>\n

Last year Azets raised the national alarm by exposing a highly convincing bogus HMRC compliance letter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sajid Ghufoor, who heads Azets\u2019 tax investigations and dispute resolution service, said the ruse paved the way for fraudsters to take out loans in the names of directors and create opportunities for VAT fraud.<\/p>\n

Paul Kelly offers some tips on how businesses can help protect against cyber-attacks during the festive season and beyond:<\/p>\n

Steps to help protect against cyber attacks<\/strong><\/p>\n

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  • Remind employees to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity<\/li>\n
  • Use strong passwords (three random words) and enable two-factor authentication<\/li>\n
  • Scan networks and applications for vulnerabilities and address any risks<\/li>\n
  • Confirm if 24\/7 monitoring is required and consider outsourced support<\/li>\n
  • Check that your incident response plans are up to date<\/li>\n
  • Keep software updated and install security patches promptly<\/li>\n
  • Perform regular backups and monitor their success<\/li>\n
  • Maintain offsite copies of backups, including cloud-based solutions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Common tactics used by cyber criminals<\/strong><\/p>\n

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    • Fake e-commerce websites designed to steal payment details<\/li>\n
    • Malicious emails impersonating delivery companies or retailers<\/li>\n
    • Social media scams offering deals that seem too good to be true<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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