General News
19 December, 2024
'Tis the season for cyber crime
A Horsham-based cyber-security business is warning fellow Wimmera Mallee traders to put themselves on the front foot against a seasonal spike in online crime.
Jessica Nolan, an account manager at Total Computer Technology, says Christmas–New Year is a prime time for attacks on IT systems.
The Horsham office is part of a bi-state network established 25 years ago to service clients in western Victoria, Gippsland, Melbourne and Sydney.
"With the holiday season right around the corner, cybercriminals will be chomping at the bit to take advantage of the increase in employee distractions at this time of the year," Ms Nolan said.
"From phishing scams disguised as holiday promotions to unwanted gifts of ransomware attacks, businesses face higher risks than ever this holiday season.
"Organisations need to bolster their defences and act proactively to mitigate risk before unwanted cyberthreats arrive at their doorstep."
Ms Nolan said reports of companies experiencing a surge in cyberattacks at weekends, overnight and around holidays weren’t myth, but established fact.
"Smart companies know it's critical to be prepared," she said.
"Cybercriminals never take a day off."
In fact, cyberattacks ballooned by an estimated 40 per cent during holiday periods as cybercriminals took advantage of skeleton staffing and harried, multi-tasking employees who might be more prone than usual to making mistakes, Ms Nolan said.
"As in every season, the biggest cyber-risk factor is employees," she said.
"With phishing especially prevalent during the holiday season, a deluge – from email phishing to malvertising – brings increased risk in its wake.
"If it continues in its usual pattern, phishing will rise steadily, hitting a peak increase of 50 per cent over the yearly average in December."
Total Computer Technology works to protect small and medium-sized busineses and organisations with up to 200 users across a huge range of sectors, including veterinary, medical, real estate, manufacturing, professional and not-for-profit.