A Lancashire Business Guide to a Stress-Free Break

It’s Christmas Eve in Lancashire. The Preston bypass is a nightmare, the last-minute dash to the shops is in full swing and the office kettle is finally getting a rest.

But while we’re all dreaming of turkey dinner and settling in for the Big Quiz, cybercriminals are busy “working from home” too. They don’t do bank holidays and they certainly don’t take a break for mince pies. In fact, the festive period is prime time for ransomware and digital mischief.

To make sure your only January headache is the credit card bill, here are four quick ways to lock up the shop properly before you head off.

1️. Beware the parcel pitfall 

We’re all waiting on that one last-minute delivery. Hackers know this. They love sending fake ‘Missed Delivery’ texts or ‘Holiday Discount’ emails that look suspiciously like they’re from the big retailers.

Even on Christmas Eve, one distracted click from a tired team member can let the Grinch right into your network.

J700 Pro-Tip: If an email looks ‘off,’ it probably is. Remind the team: If you didn’t order it, don’t click it.

2️. Don’t leave the tech on the hob

Leaving your systems running entirely unmonitored is a bit like leaving the oven on while you go to the pub. Things can overheat, scheduled updates can trip over themselves, and ‘simple’ reboots can turn into New Year nightmares.

• The Fix: Do a quick pre-flight health check today. Ensure your critical alerts are actually going to someone’s phone, not just an unread inbox.

3️. Digital housekeeping (the Boxing Day tidy up, early)

Temporary staff or old contractor accounts are like the leftover bits of tinsel you find behind the radiator, they shouldn’t be there. These unused doors into your business are exactly what hackers look for.

The Move: Disable any seasonal accounts that aren’t needed over the break and we’ll, say it until we’re hoarse, turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It’s the digital equivalent of a deadbolt.

4️. The ‘in case of emergency’ list 

No one wants to be hunting for a password or a phone number at 8:00 PM on Christmas Day. If the worst happens and a server goes down, who’s the designated driver for your IT?

The Kit: Create a simple, one-page emergency sheet. Who to call, where the backups are and how to reach us. Keep it clear, keep it simple.

The J700 festive challenge: restore & relax

Here’s a little game for the IT savvy among you: The Backup Brew. Before you log off, try to restore just one random file from your backup. If it works in the time it takes to boil the kettle, you can enjoy your first festive drink with total peace of mind. If it doesn’t? Give us a shout better to fix it now than in the New Year!

The gift of a quiet phone

Christmas Eve should be about switching off the screen and turning up the festivities. By ticking these four boxes, you’re not just protecting your data; you’re protecting your time off.

From all of us at J700 Group, have a cracking Christmas and a safe, secure and very Merry New Year!