U.S. Government Issues Advisory Against Common Cyber Threats During the Holidays

In advance of this week’s Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S., the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a reminder for critical infrastructure to stay vigilant against cyber threats during holidays and weekends. This advisory is a reminder the holidays present a noted challenge for businesses and an opportunity for cyber adversaries. Though the FBI and CISA haven’t currently identified any specific threats for the coming weekend, historically, the holidays have seen significant increases in phishing campaigns, credit card fraud, and ransomware activity. As a business, it’s critical to plan appropriately, have staff available, and continue appropriate vigilance. It’s also important to ensure your plans are well documented and your security contact lists are current. In this latest advisory, CISA and the FBI recommend precautions against the most used tactics for gaining access to networks, including phishing scams, fraudulent sites spoofing, and unencrypted financial transactions. For a comprehensive overview, review CISA’s official guidance and note their joint Cybersecurity Advisory with the FBI for Ransomware Awareness for Holidays and Weekends.