Preparing Your Business for the Christmas Shutdown: Essential IT & Cyber Tips

As the year winds down, many UK businesses prepare for their annual Christmas shutdown. While it’s a well-deserved break for your team, it’s also a period when cyber criminals take advantage of quieter offices, reduced staffing, and slower response times.

A little preparation now can prevent major disruption when you return in January.

This guide covers practical IT and cyber security steps every SME should take before closing for the festive break — and how to ensure your systems stay secure even while your office lights are off.

Why the Christmas Shutdown Puts SMEs at Higher Risk

Cyber criminals know businesses are operating with reduced staff in December. That means:

• Slower reaction times if alerts go unnoticed
• Fewer people monitoring inboxes, ticket queues, or systems
• Higher success rate for phishing campaigns, especially those posing as urgent end-of-year notices
• Increased downtime impact — a breach on Christmas Eve may not be spotted for days

With the combination of staff holidays, reduced cover, and seasonal distractions, SMEs become prime targets.

1. Review Your Backups Before Closing

Start with the most important safety net: your backups.

Ask yourself:

• Are your backups recent?
• Are they off-site / cloud-based and protected from ransomware?
• Have they been tested recently to confirm they can be restored?

A quick verification now can save you from a painful recovery in January.

2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication Everywhere

If a cyber criminal guesses or steals a password during the break, MFA is the barrier that stops them accessing your systems.

Ensure MFA is enabled on:

• Microsoft 365
• Email accounts
• Remote login solutions
• Finance and payroll portals

It’s one of the simplest ways to reduce risk over the Christmas period.

SMEs can also follow the NCSC’s Small Business Guide for year-round cyber protection.

3. Update & Patch All Devices Before Staff Leave

Unpatched software is one of the most common entry points for attackers.

Before closing:

• Run the latest Windows/Mac updates
• Patch routers, firewalls, and switches
• Update antivirus definitions
• Ensure staff laptops are fully updated before they switch off

A fully patched system is far less vulnerable.

4. Prepare Auto-Replies & Emergency Contacts

Your out-of-office message is more than just a courtesy — it can prevent missed invoices, reset links, or alerts.

Essential elements:

• Dates you’ll be closed
• Emergency contact (generic mailbox, not a personal address)
• Clear instructions for urgent IT or safeguarding issues

This reduces confusion and avoids delays that cyber criminals can exploit.

5. Monitor Your Systems (Even When the Office Is Closed)

Just because you’re shut doesn’t mean your systems are.
You still need visibility over:

• Failed login attempts
• Suspicious access
• Unusual file activity
• Mailbox forwarding rules
• Firewall alerts

If you don’t have monitoring in place, consider temporary support over the holidays — or speak with JSL about continuous monitoring and alerting.

6. Educate Staff Before They Log Off

A short reminder session or email before the break can reduce risk significantly.

Remind your team to:

• Avoid clicking on “end-of-year” or “missed delivery” phishing emails
• Disconnect from public Wi-Fi when working remotely
• Report anything suspicious immediately
• Avoid using personal devices for company work

A 5-minute briefing can prevent a December cyber incident.

The NCSC also offers simple ‘top tips for staying secure online’ that staff can follow over the festive break.

Staff can use NCSC’s phishing guidance to stay alert to seasonal scam emails.

7. Secure Your Physical Office Environment

Cyber security isn’t only digital.

Before the break:

• Power down non-essential equipment
• Lock server rooms or network cabinets
• Ensure CCTV and alarms are functioning
• Store devices out of sight

A secure office supports a secure network.

Don’t Leave Cyber Security to January

The festive season should be a time to rest — not worry about what’s happening in your inbox or network.

With a few proactive steps, your business can shut down safely and confidently. If you’d like peace of mind before the holiday break, JSL can help.