During the holiday season, many people worldwide are anticipating spending quality time with loved ones and relaxing. However, this festive time also presents an increased risk of cyber threats as malicious actors tend to take advantage of reduced network monitoring during the holidays. Ransomware attacks, in particular, see a significant uptick during this period.
To help individuals protect their networks while enjoying their well-deserved break, here are some essential best practices to follow:
Updating network infrastructure before heading off for the holidays is crucial. Ensuring that all network devices have the latest firmware updates is essential as these updates often contain critical security patches for known vulnerabilities. For Sophos Firewall customers, updating to v21 is recommended to enhance security.
For those still using soon to be end-of-life XG Series appliances, transitioning to the new XGS Series is advised to enjoy improved performance and efficiency. It is also essential to update other internet-facing infrastructure like VPN concentrators or Web Application Firewalls (WAF) to stay protected.
Shutting down non-essential systems over the holidays can help reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Systems exposed to the internet, especially via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or Virtual Network Computing (VNC), should be disabled temporarily. Implementing Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) can provide advanced protection for these systems, allowing secure access only for authenticated users.
Ensuring authentication is secured with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is another critical step in safeguarding networks. Strong passwords and MFA significantly decrease the chances of unauthorized access, especially during the holiday season when attackers often target weak credentials.
Sophos offers a range of products and services to assist in network security, including Sophos Firewall and Managed Detection and Response services. These solutions are designed to provide organizations with robust protection and peace of mind.
In case of emergency incidents, Sophos Rapid Response service is available to help organizations triage, contain, and eliminate active threats. With a team of expert incident responders available 24/7, including during the holiday season, Sophos Rapid Response can assist in mitigating the impact of cyberattacks.
To access a comprehensive list of network security best practices to secure networks from ransomware and other threats, individuals can download Sophos’s white paper on the topic.
By following these best practices and utilizing the available resources, individuals and organizations can better protect their networks during the holiday season and beyond. Stay safe and secure, even during festive times.