Why Cyber Attacks Spike Over Christmas — And How SMEs Can Stay Protected

December is one of the busiest months for cyber criminals — and one of the quietest for many UK businesses. With offices closing, reduced staffing, and a natural shift in focus towards the holidays, attackers know this is the perfect time to strike.

For SMEs, this creates a dangerous combination: fewer eyes on systems, slower response times, and more opportunities for criminals to take advantage of seasonal distractions.

According to GOV.UK’s business cyber security guidance, all SMEs should regularly review backups, access controls, and employee awareness — especially before holidays.

Here’s why cyber attacks surge during the festive season — and the steps your business can take to stay protected.

Why Cyber Criminals Target the Holiday Season

1. Reduced Staffing = Slower Response Times

Most businesses operate with skeleton teams in December.
This means:

• Alerts go unnoticed
• Phishing emails sit in inboxes for days
• No one responds to unusual login attempts
• IT issues are left unresolved until the new year

Attackers count on this slower pace.

2. Increased Phishing & Delivery Scams

Holiday-themed scams are extremely common. These typically include:

• “Missed parcel delivery” emails
• Fake order confirmations
• “Christmas bonus” payroll scams
• Gift card requests appearing to come from leadership

Because these emails fit the season, staff are more likely to engage with them.

3. Ransomware Gangs Strike When You’re Not Looking

Ransomware operators often schedule attacks just before:

• Weekends
• Bank holidays
• Office shutdowns
• The Christmas period

They want maximum downtime to increase the pressure (and likelihood) of ransom payment.

4. Remote Work Creates Extra Vulnerabilities

Many employees work from home during December.
But home networks are:

• Less secure
• Often shared with multiple devices
• Not monitored by IT teams

If a device is compromised at home, the attacker can move into your systems when employees reconnect.

5. Year-End Rush Leads to Mistakes

The December pressure — invoicing deadlines, budgets, last-minute requests — creates the perfect environment for:

• Rushed clicks
• Ignored warnings
• Password shortcuts
• Poor verification of unexpected requests

Human error remains the biggest cyber risk.
The festive season amplifies it.

How SMEs Can Stay Protected This Christmas

1. Enable MFA Everywhere

Multi-Factor Authentication is one of the strongest defences against holiday credential theft.
If attackers get your password, MFA stops them.

SMEs can follow the NCSC’s Small Business Guide for year-round protection from common attacks, including those that spike over Christmas.

2. Strengthen Email Filtering

Improve defences against:

• Holiday-themed phishing
• CEO impersonation
• Invoice fraud
• Delivery scam emails

A few adjustments now can block most seasonal attacks.

3. Review & Test Backups Before You Close

Ask your IT team:

• When was your last backup?
• Is it protected from ransomware?
• Have you tested a restore recently?

A verified backup can prevent a Christmas disaster.

4. Increase Monitoring Over the Holiday Period

You don’t need a full team — but you do need visibility.
Set up alerts for:

• Failed logins
• Unusual mailbox rules
• Suspicious access locations
• Sudden spikes in data activity

If you don’t have monitoring, JSL can provide it.

5. Brief Staff Before They Log Off

A quick reminder email or short training session can reduce holiday risk significantly.

Include:

• How to spot seasonal phishing
• How to escalate something suspicious
• What to avoid using personal devices for work
• Why they should never open unverified links

Awareness is your cheapest and strongest defence.

6. Lock Down Endpoints & Access

Before the office shuts:

• Update devices
• Apply patches
• Disable unused accounts
• Check admin privileges
• Lock server rooms & network cabinets

Reduce your attack surface before visibility drops.

Conclusion

Cyber criminals know December is when businesses are most distracted — and least protected. But with preparation, awareness, and the right safeguards in place, SMEs can enjoy a safe, worry-free Christmas shutdown.

For a straightforward, business-focused overview, see this SME cyber protection guide from the British Business Bank.

If you need guidance preparing your business for the holidays, JSL is always here to help. Our team can ensure your systems stay protected, even when your office is closed.