Keep your business data off the naughty list
The holidays are meant for unwinding, sipping something warm, and enjoying a well-deserved break. Unfortunately, cybercriminals don’t take time off. In fact, the festive season is one of their favourite times to strike.
With reduced staff, relaxed routines, and an increase in online activity, businesses often become more vulnerable to attacks. A single data breach can turn holiday cheer into a compliance nightmare, especially when GDPR is involved. The good news? A few smart precautions (and the right support) can keep your business data firmly on the nice list.
Why the holidays are prime time for cyber attacks
During the festive period, employees are often working remotely, checking emails on personal devices, or rushing to finish tasks before time off. This creates perfect conditions for phishing scams, weak passwords, and accidental data exposure.
Cybercriminals know this. Holiday-themed phishing emails, fake delivery notifications, and “urgent” end-of-year requests are designed to look harmless until someone clicks the wrong link.
Under GDPR, even a small mistake can have serious consequences, including fines, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust.
Simple steps to stay GDPR-compliant this holiday season
You don’t need a massive IT overhaul to stay protected. Start with these practical, GDPR-friendly measures:
1. Lock down access
Make sure employees only have access to the data they actually need. If someone is on leave, review temporary access permissions and remove anything unnecessary.
2. Secure devices everywhere
Remote work doesn’t mean relaxed security. Ensure laptops, phones, and tablets are password-protected, encrypted, and updated. GDPR requires appropriate technical measures, even outside the office.
3. Watch out for festive phishing
Train your team to be cautious with unexpected emails, especially those asking for personal data or login details. Remind them that GDPR requires verification before sharing any personal information.
4. Back up your data
Regular backups are essential. If ransomware hits, a secure backup can save your business from data loss and potential GDPR breaches.
5. Have a breach plan ready
GDPR requires data breaches to be reported within 72 hours. Make sure your team knows who to contact and what steps to follow if something goes wrong, even during the holidays.
How Data Support Hub can help you stay on the nice list
Staying GDPR-compliant over the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. Data Support Hub helps businesses protect personal data all year round, including when teams are off and routines are disrupted.
From GDPR guidance and documentation to data breach support and ongoing compliance advice, Data Support Hub acts as an extension of your team. They help you understand what “appropriate measures” actually mean for your business, reduce risk, and respond quickly if something goes wrong.
Whether you need help reviewing data access, improving internal processes, or making sure you’re prepared to handle a breach within GDPR timelines, Data Support Hub provides clear, practical support, without jargon or scare tactics.
Compliance doesn’t kill the festive spirit
Being GDPR-compliant isn’t about fear, it’s about trust. Customers expect their personal data to be handled responsibly, no matter the time of year. A secure business is a confident business, and confidence is good for growth.
Think of data protection as part of your holiday checklist, right alongside out-of-office replies and office decorations.
Give yourself peace of mind
The best gift you can give your business this holiday season is peace of mind. By tightening security, staying GDPR-aware, and leaning on trusted support like Data Support Hub, you can enjoy the festivities knowing your data is safe.
Because the only surprise you want this holiday is what’s under the tree, not a data breach notification.