IT Support for Businesses and Schools around Melton Mowbray
For many businesses across Melton Mowbray, Christmas is a time to slow down, close the office, and enjoy a well-earned break. Unfortunately, cybercriminals don’t take time off.
In fact, the Christmas period is one of the highest-risk times of year for cyber attacks on small and medium-sized businesses, especially those without decent IT support in Melton Mowbray in place.
As a local provider of IT support, website design, WiFi hosting and internet filtering in Melton Mowbray, we regularly see security incidents happen over the holidays – often when no one is around to respond.
Alongside one of our health checks and basic network security procedures being in place, here’s how your business can stay protected this Christmas and avoid starting the New Year with costly IT problems.
Why Christmas Is a High-Risk Time for Businesses in Melton Mowbray
During holiday periods, many local businesses experience:
- Reduced staff or full office closures
- Slower response to IT alerts
- Employees working remotely
- Relaxed security routines
Cybercriminals are well aware of this and actively target businesses during quieter periods.
1. Watch Out for Christmas Phishing Emails
Phishing scams increase significantly in December. We often see people targeted with:
- Fake delivery notifications
- Fraudulent supplier invoices
- Urgent payment or gift card requests
- Charity and seasonal offer scams
These emails are designed to look convincing and create urgency.
Local IT security advice:
- NEVER click links or open attachments from unexpected emails
- Always verify payment requests by phone
- Ensure email security and internet filtering are enabled
Effective internet and email filtering can block many malicious links before they ever reach your inbox.
2. Check Your Business Backups Before Closing
Backups are essential – but only if they’re working properly.
Before shutting down for Christmas:
- Confirm backups are running automatically
- Ensure backups are stored securely (off-site or cloud-based)
- Test restoring data, not just backing it up
As an IT support company in Melton Mowbray, we frequently help businesses recover from failed backups that were never tested.
3. Secure Remote Working Over the Holidays
Many employees access business systems remotely during Christmas.
Make sure:
- Strong passwords are enforced
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is enabled
- Old or unused user accounts are disabled
- Personal devices are not accessing business systems without approval
Unsecured remote access is one of the most common causes of cyber breaches.
4. Don’t Put Off IT Updates Until January
Delaying updates might feel convenient, but it leaves known security vulnerabilities open.
Before the Christmas break:
- Install critical system and software updates
- Update antivirus, firewalls, and business applications
- Check all devices are protected and reporting correctly
Regular updates are a core part of reliable IT services.
5. Make Sure Your Website Is Secure Over Christmas
Your website is often the first point of contact for customers – even when your office is closed.
Before Christmas:
- Ensure your website software and plugins are up to date
- Check hosting security and backups
- Make sure contact forms are protected from spam and attacks
Professional website design and hosting in Melton Mowbray includes ongoing security, not just how the site looks.
6. Ensure Your WiFi Is Secure and Filtered
Unsecured WiFi networks are a common entry point for cyber threats.
To stay protected:
- Use secure, managed WiFi hosting
- Separate guest WiFi from business systems
- Enable internet filtering to block harmful content and malicious websites
Proper WiFi hosting and internet filtering helps protect both staff and customers.
7. Have a Local IT Emergency Contact Plan
If something does go wrong, your team should know:
- Who to contact for IT support
- How to report suspicious activity
- What steps to take immediately
A clear IT support plan can significantly reduce downtime and disruption.
Start the New Year Secure and Stress-Free
A cyber incident over Christmas doesn’t just disrupt the holidays – it can affect your business operations, finances and reputation well into the New Year.
With the right preparation and local IT support in Melton Mowbray, most of these issues are completely avoidable.
If you’re looking for dependable IT support, website design, WiFi hosting or internet filtering, we’re here to help keep your business secure this Christmas and beyond.
🎄 Give your business the gift of secure, reliable IT this Christmas!
