Skip to Main Content

The Twelve Days of IT Security: A Holiday Countdown to a Safer 2026

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Outdated software is one of the most common paths into a network.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.

All I Want for Christmas Is Better Connectivity

The holiday season arrives with twinkling lights, office potlucks, gift swaps and a much-needed break from the normal hustle. Yet for many businesses, December is also the month where slow systems, dropped calls, and unstable networks become...

Leaves Change, and So Should Your IT Policies

As the first crisp breeze of fall rolls in and the leaves begin to change, it’s a perfect reminder that some things in business should change, too. Just like nature refreshes itself each season, your IT security policies, compliance measures, and...

TransUnion Breach: 4.4 Million Americans Affected

Over 4.4 million Americans had their sensitive personal data exposed in a massive cybersecurity breach targeting TransUnion. A breach that stemmed not from a ransomware strain or direct hack of the credit bureau, but from vulnerabilities in...

5 Times IT Saved the Day (That You Never Noticed)

Let’s face it: IT professionals are the real-world superheroes no one sees coming. While Batman wears a cape and Iron Man has a suit, our IT team at TotalBC is armed with backup plans, cybersecurity tools, and a borderline obsessive attention to...

How Cloud-Ready Is Your Business?

With the cloud now powering everything from collaboration to cybersecurity, the real question isn’t whether your business should make the move—it’s how prepared you are to do it right." Whether you’re storing critical data, enabling...

Tech Tips for Business Travel Season

As summer ramps up, so does business travel. Whether you’re attending conferences, meeting clients, or managing remote operations from the road, your technology goes with you. But so do the risks. Unsecured Wi-Fi networks, lost devices, and lack...

5 Microsoft 365 Hacks to Impress Your Coworkers

Microsoft 365 is packed with powerful tools that help teams collaborate, stay organized, and work smarter—but most users only scratch the surface of what’s possible. If you're ready to take your productivity to the next level (and earn a few...

5 Signs You’ve Outgrown Your Break-Fix IT Guy

When your business was just getting started, relying on a “break-fix” IT guy probably made sense. You had limited needs, a small team, and only occasional tech issues. But now, your business has grown—and so have your technology...

What Your Business’s Tech Says About You

Technology is more than just a tool for running your business—it’s a reflection of who you are as a company. Your tech stack speaks volumes about your values, priorities, and the experience you offer customers and employees. Whether it’s...

Maximizing ROI with Managed IT Services

Technology plays a pivotal role in driving growth and efficiency. As companies increasingly rely on IT systems to operate effectively, the decision to adopt managed IT services can significantly impact their return on investment (ROI). Managed IT...

Real-Time Response: The Heart of Scout Services

Businesses rely heavily on their IT infrastructure to operate efficiently. From ensuring seamless communication to safeguarding sensitive data, the stakes are higher than ever. This is where the importance of real-time response in IT management...

The Hidden Dangers of Built-In and Free Firewalls

The importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. With increasing threats from hackers, malware, and various cyberattacks, ensuring that your systems are protected is essential. Many users often rely on built-in or free firewalls, believing they...

Why SMBs Can't Afford to Ignore Cybersecurity

As we dive into Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a crucial time for businesses of all sizes—especially small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs)—to reevaluate their cybersecurity measures. While large enterprises often dominate headlines...

The Role of VoIP in Unified Communications

In today's fast-paced business environment, seamless communication is essential for maintaining efficiency, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. This need has driven the adoption of Unified Communications (UC), a system that integrates various...

Important Microsoft Security Updates in August

In August 2024, Microsoft released a series of critical security updates to address vulnerabilities across its product suite. These updates are vital for maintaining the security of systems that rely on Microsoft technologies, as they patch flaws...

How to Prevent Data Loss: Tips and Best Practices

Prevention is better than cure. This age-old adage holds especially true when it comes to data loss. In our increasingly digital world, the loss of data can have severe consequences, ranging from minor inconveniences to significant financial and...

How to Choose the Right Business Phone System

Choosing the right business phone system is crucial for ensuring effective communication within your organization and with your clients. With various options available, selecting the best system for your business can be challenging. This guide will...

Top 10 Reasons to Choose TotalBC for IT Services

In today's fast-paced business environment, having a reliable and efficient IT infrastructure is critical. Managed IT services can provide the support and expertise needed to keep your operations running smoothly and securely. Here are the top 10...

“Savings” That Could Cost You EVERYTHING

As a business leader, you’re always looking for ways to increase revenue, cut expenses and grow your bottom line. Implementing AI tools, shopping services and running a more efficient operation are great ways to do that. One place you do NOT...

Email Phishing: How to Safeguard Your Inbox

In a fast-paced business environment, everyone is susceptible to engaging with malicious emails. Whether due to hastily catching up on messages when running late or checking emails while fatigued at the end of the day, just one simple click can...

Strengthening Business Security with TotalBC

Ensuring the safety and security of assets, employees, and customers is paramount to business success. As threats continue to evolve, businesses are turning to advanced surveillance technologies, such as Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) and...

Pirates Aren’t Just Threats On The Open Seas

“Know Ye That We Have Granted And Given License To Adam Robernolt and William le Sauvage…to annoy our enemies by sea or by land, wheresoever they are able, so that they share with us the half of all their gain.” These were the words of King...

How Managed IT Services Can Help Your Business

When it comes to managing your IT systems, the main problem becomes optimizing the staff and resources required to keep your operations up and running. This task not only requires strategic planning, but also the right leadership and skilled IT...

Common Business Phone Malfunctions

We all rely on our phones in one way or another. They offer instant access to news, family, friends, colleagues, and clients alike. Apps can also get you pretty much anything that you want. Next to computers, phones are like the life...

What Is Data Cabling?

Data Cabling: Carrying Information Between Computers & Network Equipment Most buildings feature electrical, phone, and TV wiring. In recent decades, the fourth type of cabling system has become increasingly common. Data cables carry...

What Are The Benefits Of A Cloud Hosting System?

A growing number of businesses are implementing a cloud hosting system, and for good reason. Cloud hosting systems offer surprising benefits that help businesses protect crucial data from breaches and hardware failure. They are easier to access,...

Benefits of Managed IT Services

Whether you have a small or large business, it's important to carefully consider your IT needs and infrastructure. You may find that you don't have the resources or manpower to properly manage the necessary technologies. That's...

The Importance of Routine IT Maintenance

When an IT team decides to slow or shut down production for maintenance tasks, it might seem like a bottleneck. But just as a healthy human body requires regular checkups, a healthy organization requires regular IT...

Why Data Management is Important for Your Business

  A data management system is responsible for storing, retrieving, protecting, organizing, and sharing data assets throughout your organization. It's a simple solution to an epidemic of mismanaged data for businesses. There are many benefits...