Half-Term Is Here!
Is Your Team Heading on Leave?
Here Are 5 Reminders to Keep Them and Your Business Safe
As half-term kicks off in the UK, your team may be heading off for a well-deserved break.
Whether they’re jetting off for some sun or enjoying a staycation, it’s important to ensure that their holiday plans don’t leave your business exposed to cyber risks.
Before they switch off for the week, make sure they’re prepared to keep both themselves and your company secure.
Here are five simple but essential reminders to share with your team before they log off for half-term:
1. Secure Devices Before You Go
Whether your team members are travelling or simply stepping away from work for a few days, their devices still hold valuable company information.
Make sure they lock things down before they leave.
Reminder:
Ensure all work devices are password protected, with two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled.
If possible, remind them to encrypt sensitive files before heading off, just in case devices are lost or stolen while out and about.
2. Be Careful with Public Wi-Fi
From airports to cafes, public Wi-Fi is everywhere - and it’s tempting to use it.
But public networks are notorious breeding grounds for cyber threats like data interception and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Reminder:
If team members are accessing work-related emails or accounts while away, make sure they’re using a VPN to secure their connection.
For anything sensitive, encourage them to stick to mobile data instead of public Wi-Fi.
3. Don’t Fall for Holiday Scams
Phishing emails and scam messages can increase during holiday periods when people may be distracted or less vigilant.
These scams can look like fake travel deals, holiday bookings, or even work-related requests.
Reminder:
Encourage the team to be extra careful when opening emails, texts, or social media links that seem too good to be true - particularly when your business has a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy.
If they receive something suspicious, whether it looks personal or work-related, they should verify it with the sender before clicking any links or providing information.
4. Watch What You Share Online
It’s natural for your team to want to share their holiday experiences on social media.
But oversharing can be risky, especially if sensitive work-related details slip through the cracks or if their location gives away too much information.
Reminder:
Encourage your team to be mindful of what they’re sharing on social platforms.
Posting holiday photos is fine - but they should avoid revealing work-related details or tagging their exact location in real-time, which could make them targets for scammers.
5. Turn On Remote Wipe Capabilities
We all know the horror of losing a device, but the fear doubles when that device has work data on it.
With today’s tech, it’s easier than ever to secure your devices - even after they’ve gone missing.
Reminder:
Make sure your team has remote wipe features activated on their work devices before they leave.
That way, if a phone or laptop is lost or stolen, they can quickly erase all sensitive company information from a distance.
Wrapping It Up
Half-term is a time to relax and recharge, but cybersecurity never takes a holiday.
By keeping these simple reminders top of mind, your team can enjoy their time off while ensuring the business stays safe and secure.
At Toro Digital, we’re here to help you navigate cybersecurity - Whether your team is in the office or on the beach.
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