Added by Love Business East Midlands | 23 December 2025

Urgent Cyber Security Warning from PKF Infuse: Protect Your Business This Holiday Season

In a time when holiday cheer is in the air, the Managing Director of Derby-based IT and cyber security provider PKF Infuse has issued a crucial warning to businesses operating without a strong IT and cyber security strategy. As we approach the Christmas season, Paul Howard emphasizes the need for heightened vigilance against cyber threats, highlighting the uptick in cyber criminal activities during this festive period.

“This season has transformed into a lucrative opportunity for cyber criminals,” Paul Howard, a recognized cyber security expert, stated. “As many businesses reduce staffing levels and employees engage in holiday distractions or are simply worn out, the conditions become ripe for cyber-attacks to flourish from Christmas through New Year’s.”

Increased Risks During the Holiday Season

Recent research conducted by Darktrace paints a concerning picture, revealing that attempted ransomware attacks spike by approximately 30% during the Christmas period compared to standard monthly rates. Cyber criminals are astutely aware that with reduced staff availability and slower response times, their chances of success increase significantly.

Furthermore, a government survey found that a staggering 50% of businesses encountered a cyber-attack or data breach within the past year, with phishing attacks being responsible for over 80% of reported incidents. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has confirmed a worrying trend of heightened national-level cyber-attacks, with the UK now seeing an average of four critical incidents every week.

The Long-Term Impact of Cyber Attacks

Paul Howard cautioned that the ramifications of a successful cyber-attack can ripple through an organization long after the holiday decorations come down.

“The consequences are seldom short-lived,” he asserted. “Businesses may face financial hardships, data breaches, operational disruptions, and enduring reputational damage that can linger well into the new year.”

Proactive Measures to Consider

As a preventative measure, Paul urges organizations—especially those lacking a solid IT and cybersecurity framework—to take immediate action before the Christmas break. Essential steps include ensuring that systems are fully patched, verifying that backups are tested, and reminding staff on how to recognize suspicious emails. Implementing security protocols such as multi-factor authentication, strong access controls, and continuous monitoring is crucial to significantly mitigate risks during times of reduced staffing.

“Taking these proactive steps now,” Paul added, “could mean the difference between ushering in the New Year securely or grappling with the repercussions of a grave, avoidable cyber incident.”

Leveraging AI for Enhanced Cyber Security

In the face of these growing threats, tools like AI legalese decoder can be instrumental in helping businesses better navigate the complex landscape of cyber security laws and obligations. This innovative platform can facilitate a clearer understanding of the legal language surrounding cybersecurity measures, ensuring that organizations remain compliant while also adopting best practices for risk mitigation.

By providing straightforward, intelligible explanations of intricate legal documents, AI legalese decoder empowers businesses to make informed decisions and establish stronger defenses against cyber threats. Organizations can quickly grasp the legal implications of their cybersecurity strategies, helping them stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities during high-risk periods like the holidays.

For further information on this critical topic, please contact Jo Payne at [email protected].

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