The summer vacation season is a welcome break for many, but it also brings new challenges for IT security. With employees stepping away from their desks and working from different locations, your systems may be more exposed to risk than usual.
Whether your team is taking time off or logging in from the road, this is an ideal moment to reinforce your security practices. A few simple precautions can go a long way in keeping your data safe while operations continue smoothly.
As the team you rely on for all things tech, we’re here to help you stay secure and stress-free. Below are some practical IT tips to keep your business protected throughout the summer and beyond.
Tip #1: Prepare Devices Before Employees Travel
Before anyone logs off or leaves town, make sure work devices are up to date and ready for secure use. Encourage your team to back up important work files, install system updates, and set up secure passwords.
For employees who plan to work while away, remind them to be cautious when using public Wi-Fi. Encourage the use of a VPN to protect data when connecting from unfamiliar networks. Sharing a simple travel security checklist can help reduce the risk of lost information or compromised accounts.
Tip #2: Review User Access and Permissions
As employees take time off or transition between projects, reviewing access levels across your systems is a good idea. Does everyone still need access to every tool? Are there shared accounts that should be paused or restricted?
According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, compromised or stolen credentials account for 16% of all breaches in 2024. Clearing out unnecessary permissions reduces the risk of accidental leaks or intentional misuse. Your IT partner can streamline this process and confirm that each person has the appropriate level of access. No more, no less.
Tip #3:Watch for Vacation-Themed Phishing Scams
Cybercriminals love to exploit seasonal trends, and this time of year is no exception. Summer phishing scams may look like travel confirmations, fake calendar invites, or time-off approvals.
Remind your employees to stay alert. Look closely at sender addresses and never click suspicious links or download unexpected attachments. If a message feels off, report it immediately. It’s always better to double-check than to risk exposing your network.
Tip #4: Update and Patch Systems Before Downtime
Summer is a great time to tackle system updates, especially if your business experiences a slight slowdown during these months. Applying security patches and software updates keeps your environment protected from known vulnerabilities.
Where possible, turn on automatic updates for operating systems, security tools, and critical apps. If you work with a managed IT provider, these updates should already be handled behind the scenes. But it’s still important to confirm everything is current, especially on personal or mobile devices used for work.
Tip #5: Pay Attention to Unusual Account Activity
When employees are out of the office or working from different locations, it’s easier for suspicious activity to slip through unnoticed. This makes it especially important to watch for signs that something isn’t right.
Look out for unexpected login attempts, large file transfers, or changes to account settings. If anything seems off, report it right away. Your IT support team can investigate and address the issue before it leads to something more serious. Early action is one of the best ways to prevent bigger problems.
Tip #6: Set Clear Out-of-Office Security Protocols
When employees are away, small security slip-ups can create significant risks. Set expectations around how devices should be handled before time off. This includes logging out of apps, locking screens, and avoiding the use of personal devices for sensitive work.
Also, remind employees not to share passwords or security codes, even with coworkers. Instead, direct them to use secure password managers or request temporary access support from your IT team.
Tip #7: Have a Response Plan Ready
Security issues don’t take time off. Make sure you know who to contact if something goes wrong while key staff members are out of the office. A solid response plan helps keep your business running smoothly, no matter who’s away.
Your IT provider can serve as your first line of defense, responding to incidents quickly and minimizing downtime. From data recovery to breach investigation, it helps to know you have support on call when you need it.
Stay Secure While You Recharge
Taking a break shouldn’t mean taking a break from security. A few small steps can make a big difference in protecting your business during the summer.
Whether your team is on the go or simply logging off for some well-earned rest, these precautions reduce risk without disrupting your operations. And if you need support along the way, we’re just a call or click away.
Would you like to reduce frustrations with technology and boost operational efficiency within your business? The I.T. Matters team partners with companies of various sizes to help you create a secure, scalable, and flexible technology infrastructure.
Exceptional customer service is at the foundation of everything we do – ensuring that IT projects fully align with your business goals. Our friendly and knowledgeable team continually reviews industry trends and government regulations to help reduce risk and create a more productive IT environment for your business. Whether you are looking for full-service, outsourced IT infrastructure support, or simply need help with an upcoming technology project, contact us to help!