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Remote Work During the Holidays: Small Business Cybersecurity

Person working from home securely

As the holiday season approaches and employees prepare to travel, many will find themselves finishing up last minute requests while they are out of the office. With more and more employees completing tasks while they travel or work from home, small businesses will face increased cybersecurity risks over the holiday season. Even if John Smith is just squeezing in that last email before Thanksgiving dinner, these tips will help him have confidence that he and your company are protected from holiday cyber threats.


Cybersecurity: Secure Your Business From the Start


Successful, safe remote work starts with a well-defined remote work policy. This policy should outline expectations for technology use, security  protocols, and emergency procedures. Regularly communicate these standards and provide ongoing training so all employees are on the same page about what to do in a cybersecurity emergency. This is important year-round, but especially at peak vacation periods, when cybercriminals might attempt to target distracted teams. 


Keep software, end-point protections, and anti-virus tools up-to-date on all business devices. Mobile device management is essential if your employees use personal devices or access sensitive data offsite. 


Strong access controls are your next line of defense. Require multi-factor authentication for business accounts and company resources, and only grant permissions necessary for each employee’s role. By limiting access, you reduce risk if an account or device is lost or compromised. 


Enable Safe and Productive Remote Work


Not all remote connections are created equal. Train your employees on using secure business-approved VPNs for remote access, especially when employees are working from hotels, coffee shops, or airports. Prohibit company work over public Wi-Fi unless data is encrypted, and educate your employees on the dangers of phishing emails and holiday-related scams. Some examples of what to look out for include:

  • Seasonal phishing scams targeting business inboxes and payment systems

  • Automated attacks against company, payroll, and e-commerce platforms

  • Ransomware and extortion targeting businesses with critical data

  • Gift card fraud and loyalty program abuse

  • Malicious/fake apps and fraudulent online ads

  • Reduced cybersecurity staffing and slower response times when key personnel take time off, increasing risk windows for attackers


Cloud-based collaboration and regular data backups support productivity while minimizing risks. Choose secure cloud productivity platforms where documents are encrypted and easily shared. Some secure cloud productivity platforms include:

  • Microsoft 365 (with OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint)​

  • Google Workspace (formerly G Suite: Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet)​

  • Dropbox Business​

  • Box for Business​


Make regular backups a non-negotiable part of your business continuity plan, so that if a laptop does go missing, files are still safe and accessible. 


Lead with Communication, Monitoring, and Support


Successful remote work, especially during the holidays, depends on clear communication and proactive monitoring. Coordinate schedules so critical support and IT resources remain available. Schedule reminder emails or in-app alerts with last-minute security tips before your employees leave for vacation. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans, and keep leadership aware of seasonal cyber risks and trends. 


In Closing


Managing remote work across the holidays doesn’t require reinventing your business. Just thoughtful preparation, the right technology, and a culture centered on staying secure. A few extra steps now can keep your team safe and the business running smoothly no matter where everyone is celebrating. 

About MapleTronics


MapleTronics is a leading provider of managed IT services, cybersecurity solutions, and cloud technologies for small to mid-sized businesses. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Goshen, Indiana, MapleTronics also has offices in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Columbia, Tennessee.


Our mission is simple: to empower businesses with secure, reliable, and forward-thinking IT that fuels growth and peace of mind. From fully managed and co-managed IT to compliance solutions, cybersecurity, and employee training, MapleTronics is committed to helping businesses stay protected, productive, and prepared for what’s next.


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