Why Cybercriminals Don’t Take Breaks

In recent posts, we discussed Sophos MDR and its associated add-on, Sophos Managed Risk. We have repeatedly mentioned that Sophos managed services offer 24/7/365 protection. But why is this so important? As the weekend approaches, most employees look forward to well-deserved rest. However, while many companies switch to "rest mode," cybercriminals take advantage of this time to launch attacks.

Why Weekends Are Attractive for Cybercriminals

Cybercriminals are strategic: they know exactly when companies are most vulnerable. Weekends and holidays are prime times for attacks, as most companies have fewer staff monitoring their networks during these periods. Here are some main reasons why:

• Reduced Monitoring: IT departments are often minimally staffed or inactive on weekends. This provides cybercriminals with a window of opportunity where attacks may go unnoticed.
• Delayed Response Time: Even when threats are detected, it often takes longer to respond because not all key personnel are available immediately.
• Security Gaps: Companies that do not regularly monitor or update their systems often inadvertently leave security gaps open. These can be targeted by cybercriminals.
• Targeted Attacks on Vulnerabilities: Attackers rely on proven methods like ransomware, which are often designed to quietly infiltrate systems over the weekend and cause maximum damage by Monday morning.

Common Threats on Weekends

Some of the most commonly used attack methods on weekends include:

• Ransomware Attacks: Criminals infiltrate networks, encrypt data, and demand ransom. Particularly problematic: these attacks often go unnoticed until employees return to the office after the weekend.
• Phishing Campaigns: IT-trained staff may not fall for phishing attempts during the workweek, but over the weekend, when attention wanes, a single click on a fraudulent link can have dire consequences.
• DDoS Attacks: Attacks that overload systems to make them inaccessible can last longer on weekends due to slower response times.

How to Secure Your IT on Weekends

How can you prevent the weekend from becoming an easy target for cybercriminals? Here are some practical measures to help stay safe even during downtime:

• Automated Security Monitoring: Tools like Sophos Managed Risk provide continuous monitoring and risk assessment, ensuring vulnerabilities are identified even when no one is on-site.
• Updated Security Systems: Ensure that all systems, software, and firewalls are updated before the weekend. Closing security gaps is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to prevent attacks.
• Backup Strategy: Regular backups, especially before the weekend, ensure that you can quickly restore your data in case of an attack.
• Emergency Plan and Clear Communication: Develop an emergency plan that outlines how to respond to cyber incidents over the weekend. Ensure that all relevant employees are informed and know what steps to take.
• Employee Training: Regularly train your employees, especially regarding phishing and ransomware attacks. A well-trained team is the first line of defense against cybercrime.

Conclusion: Start the Weekend Safely

Cybercriminals do not take breaks – but neither do you have to. With the right strategy and the right tools, you can ensure that your IT systems are optimally protected even on weekends. A proactive security strategy is key to preventing attacks and enjoying a worry-free weekend.

Want to know how to maintain your IT security over the weekend? Contact us at EnBITCon and let’s find the right solution together!