As the holiday season kicks into full swing, it is easy for offices to slow down their routines, delay updates, or push off "small" IT tasks until January. The only issue is that cybercriminals do not take holiday breaks. They know this time of year usually means lighter staffing, traveling employees, and distracted teams. A few smart security moves in December can go a long way toward preventing costly downtime or data loss in the new year.
So, consider this your holiday countdown to stronger security in 2026. No complicated technical overhaul. Just 12 practical steps your business can take this month to tighten defenses across your digital and physical infrastructure.
Day 1: Strengthen Passwords
Every employee should have strong, unique passwords for every account. Encourage passphrases rather than random characters. A password like TinselTrainRidesAreFun2025 is easier to remember and harder to crack than short, complex strings.
Day 2: Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication
A password alone is no longer enough. MFA stops most password-related breaches instantly. Make sure your email, VoIP portal, remote login and key software platforms all require MFA.
Day 3: Update and Patch Software
Outdated software is one of the most common paths into a network. Schedule year-end updates now, including operating systems, browsers and business-critical applications.
Day 4: Review User Accounts
Remove access for former employees or contractors who no longer need it. Dormant accounts are easy targets for cybercriminals.
Day 5: Back Up Your Data
Confirm your backup system is running, complete and recoverable. A backup is only useful if it can be restored when needed. Perform a test restore to verify.
Day 6: Train Employees on Holiday Phishing
Scammers love holiday-themed phishing emails. Fake shipping notifications, invoices, donation requests or "urgent password reset" messages spike this time of year. A quick refresher training can prevent major damage.
Day 7: Secure Remote Work and Travel
If team members are traveling or working remotely, provide secure VPN access and remind them to avoid public Wi-Fi. Company data should never run through unsecured networks.
Day 8: Audit Vendor Access
Third-party vendors often have remote access to systems like VoIP, cameras, HVAC or POS. Confirm they follow security best practices and disable any unused vendor access.
Day 9: Check Firewall and Network Monitoring Tools
Make sure firewalls, intrusion detection systems and logging tools are active and updated. If you work with a Managed IT provider, ask for a year-end network security review.
Day 10: Update Device Inventory
From laptops to door controllers, every device on the network should be accounted for. Identify any aging hardware that may need to be replaced in 2026 before it causes trouble.
Day 11: Review Video Surveillance Settings
Check camera uptime, storage retention, and remote access controls. Make sure the right people can view footage, and only the right people.
Day 12: Confirm Physical Access Control Logs
Your building's access control system tracks door entries. Review logs for any unusual activity and ensure employee access cards are up to date. This protects your facility as much as your network.
Start the New Year Strong
A secure business does not happen by accident. It is built through consistent checks, updates and smart policies supported by a reliable IT partner. TotalBC helps businesses throughout the Carolinas implement the right security systems and workflows to protect their data, people and operations.
Whether you need cybersecurity reinforcement, access control modernization, advanced video surveillance or full-service Managed IT, we are here to help you prepare for a stronger, safer 2026.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact TotalBC today at 866-673-8682 or visit www.totalbc.com to schedule a year-end security review and enter the new year with confidence.
