Summer is approaching - and while employees pack their bags and log off, threat actors take advantage of reduced staffing and lower monitoring. Luckily, there's still time to implement key measures to protect your business and employees during the holiday period.

Here is Sicra’s checklist of 10 effective actions you can take before summer break:

1. Enable and double-check MFA

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the most effective defense against account takeovers. Ensure it's enabled for all users – especially for email, cloud services, and admin accounts.

Tip: Test MFA on both mobile and web before logging off.

2. Protect your email system from phishing and fraud

Did you know 90% of all cyberattacks start with an email? What if you could reduce those attacks by 90%? Sicra can block all phishing and spoofing emails – in just 15 minutes!

Try our email protection free in July and experience fast, effective security.

3. Update your systems

Install essential security patches on servers, systems, and devices before the break. Focus especially on:

• Operating systems

• VPN, Network and firewall solutions

• Externally accessible services

4. Ensure monitoring and response

If you have a SOC service (e.g., Arctic Wolf MDR), make sure contact details are up to date and someone is responsible for alerts. No SOC? Consider temporary monitoring over the summer.

5. Review user access

Perform a quick access review:

• Are there inactive users who still have access?

• Have temps or interns received more access than needed?

• Are there accounts without MFA?

6. Clarify responsibilities during the holidays

Who answers the phone if something happens? Make a simple plan outlining:

• Who is available and when

• Which vendors can be contacted

• How to handle a security incident

7. Close unnecessary access points

Reduce the attack surface by disabling unused remote access or test environments. Many attacks happen through forgotten services or open ports.

8. Prepare your employees

Send out a quick summer reminder:

• Be cautious with emails and links

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi for work

• Report anything unusual

9. Check your backup – and test it

Have backup? Great. Have you tested it? Do it now. Ensure critical data can actually be restored.

10. Ask for help

Whether you need a CISO-for-hire, help with security strategy, technical review, or support before/after the break – Sicra is ready to help. We offer quick security assessments, hands-on support, and guidance to get essential measures in place.

In summary:

Summer increases risk – but with a few proactive steps, you can ensure a safe and relaxing holiday for both people and IT systems.