The holiday season brings increased travel and, with it, heightened security risks. For security leaders, proactive planning is essential to protect employees, assets, and sensitive information during this busy period.
Risk Assessments
Start with risk assessments tailored to the holiday period and travel. Identify potential vulnerabilities such as unattended facilities, reduced staffing, and increased cyber threats targeting remote access. Reinforce physical security protocols for offices and parking areas, ensuring access controls and surveillance systems remain fully operational.
Employee Travel
For traveling employees, emphasize situational awareness. Encourage staff to avoid sharing travel plans on social media, keep devices secured, and use encrypted connections when accessing company networks. Lost or stolen devices are a common holiday risk – be sure to implement clear protocols for quick reporting and mitigation.
Transportation Safety
Transportation safety matters too. Advise travelers to park in well-lit areas, lock vehicles, and keep valuables out of sight. For international trips, provide guidance on local security conditions and emergency contacts.
Communication Plan
Finally, a strong security culture depends on strong communication plans – quick updates and clear escalation paths. By integrating these measures into your security operations plans, you reduce exposure and ensure business continuity—even during peak holiday travel.
Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and keep your team safe this holiday season.