Spring break is a great time to disconnect. For cybercriminals, it is a great time to connect to your systems while no one is paying attention.
Reduced staff, slower response times, and out-of-office messages all add up to a window hackers know how to use. Here is what to handle before you head out.
Set It and Forget It? Not So Fast.
Automated processes keep running while you are out, but if something gets compromised mid-week there may be nobody watching. Make sure alerts are configured and someone is on call to respond. Your out-of-office reply is also a recon tool. "I'm out until April 7th, contact Mike at mike@company.com" just told an attacker exactly how long the office is quiet and who to impersonate. Keep it minimal. No names, no timelines, no alternate contacts.
Devices That Travel Get Targeted
Employees checking in from airports, hotels, or coffee shops are connecting your business to networks you have zero control over. A VPN is non-negotiable for any work done away from the office.
Temporary Access That Stays Permanent
Freelancers, contractors, someone filling in for a few days? Credentials created quickly tend to get forgotten just as quickly. Before you leave, confirm temporary accounts are scoped correctly and put a removal date on them.
Come Back to a Clean Inbox, Not a Compromised One
Phishing spikes during breaks because attackers know people click fast when they return to a full inbox. Brief your team before leaving: slow down on that first morning back and verify anything that looks urgent before acting on it.
You planned the vacation. Did you plan for what happens if something goes wrong while you are gone?
Bloom safe, not sorry.
A quick check today can prevent a much bigger issue tomorrow. Let’s take 10 minutes to review your environment and make sure nothing important is being overlooked, with our Free 10-Minute Survey Call.
Or give us a call at: 201.402.1900 .