Holidays should be a time to relax, but for cyber criminals, they’re prime hunting season. When staff are away, attackers exploit the disruption to routines, reduced staffing, and the extra details people inadvertently share. For SMEs, this means a greater need to educate employees on travel-related cyber risks and how to prevent them. Out of Office messages can give away too much information that cybercriminals could use against you!
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Out-of-Office Messages: More Risky Than They Seem
Out-of-office (OoO) replies can be a goldmine for social engineers. Return dates, job roles, colleague names, and contact details all help attackers craft convincing phishing emails.
Best practice:
- Use separate messages for internal and external contacts.
- Avoid revealing specific dates, names, or locations in external replies.
- Keep messages short and generic externally, e.g., “I’m currently unavailable and will respond on my return.”
Internally, you can be more informative, but still keep it concise. The aim is to help colleagues without advertising absence to outsiders.
Phishing: Criminals Know When You’re Distracted
Phishing remains the number one cyber threat, accounting for over 85% of incidents reported by UK businesses. Holiday periods are particularly dangerous, as criminals send fake hotel bookings, flight refunds, or urgent security warnings when staff are distracted.
Key reminders before staff travel:
- Legitimate companies will never ask for credentials by email or SMS.
- Don’t click links or open attachments in unexpected travel-related messages—verify first.
- Report suspicious messages to report@phishing.gov.uk or by text to 7726.
Even short pre-holiday awareness refreshers can significantly reduce the likelihood of a costly mistake.
Device Security Abroad
Public Wi-Fi, hotel business centres, and charging stations carry higher risks when abroad. Unsecured connections can expose sensitive data to interception.
Recommended steps:
- Update software and security patches before travel.
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
- Disable Bluetooth/Wi-Fi auto-connect.
- Use secure private Wi-Fi or a trusted hotspot—avoid public networks.
- Use a VPN for work access to encrypt internet traffic.
- Avoid public USB charging points.
Some SMEs issue “travel devices” with minimal data, which can be remotely wiped if lost.
Lost or Stolen Devices: Minimise the Damage
Lost business devices are not uncommon, and without proper safeguards, they can be a gateway to data breaches.
Layered protection includes:
- Full disk encryption.
- Auto lock after inactivity.
- Remote tracking/wipe capability.
- Clear separation of personal and work accounts.
Employees should know exactly who to inform and how quickly to act if a device is compromised.
Social Media: Oversharing Creates Openings
Announcing travel plans online can confirm an absence to opportunistic attackers. Posting boarding passes, passports, or hotel locations can also expose personal and company data.
Safer practice:
- Post updates after returning, or share only with trusted private audiences.
Why SMEs Need a Culture of Everyday Cyber Awareness
The risks outlined here aren’t hypothetical—they happen every year and often stem from small oversights. Phishing and data breaches don’t just hit IT; they impact HR, finance, operations, and customer relationships. SMEs are particularly vulnerable because one mistake can cause outsized disruption.
Embedding good habits doesn’t require expensive tools—just consistent messaging, clear expectations, and simple preparation:
- Cautious out-of-office wording.
- Heightened phishing awareness before breaks.
- Secure device use on the move.
These measures should be part of a normal business rhythm, not an occasional afterthought. Education is key—non-technical staff are often the most targeted, yet the least likely to recognise a threat without prior guidance.
Final Thought
Peak holiday months present higher risks, but they can be managed. By making small security steps second nature and reminding employees before they travel, SMEs can significantly reduce their exposure. In a world where criminals only need one opportunity, building a culture of cyber awareness ensures that being “out of office” doesn’t mean leaving the business unprotected.
Here’s our handy Staff Holiday Cybersecurity Checklist – free to download and we don’t ask for your contact details! You’re Welcome and Bon Voyage!
Check out this useful article from CyberScotland on protecting your devices while on holiday.
