Stay Ahead of Holiday Cybercriminals: 4 Critical Attack Trends to Watch This Season

The holidays are here, and it is our favorite time of year at Sea to Sky, a time for celebration, and closing out the year on a high note. But guess what? While we are all occupied wrapping up presents for our loved ones, cybercriminals are just as busy as we are, finding new ways to target businesses.  

Recent statistics show alarming trends in cybersecurity, particularly for Canadian organizations. In 2024, 44% of respondents reported that their organization experienced a cyber-attack. This statistic reveals an important reality: in today’s digital environment, cyber-attacks are no longer a question of if, but when. 

Informed by these insights, we want to keep our community alert. Let's take a closer look at the top four growing cyber-attack trends you need to watch out for this season and moving forward: 

1. Keeping a Low Profile by Using Existing Tools 

Some cybercriminals are avoiding time-consuming steps of creating their own custom malware. Instead, they’re using legitimate tools already installed on their victims’ systems to carry out attacks. This tactic allows them to stay under the radar by mimicking normal system activity, making them harder to detect. 

Imagine someone slipping into your team unnoticed because they’re dressed exactly like your employees. That’s essentially what’s happening here, attackers blend in, making their actions seem routine. 

💡 How to stay protected: 

Make sure your security tools can detect unusual behavior, even when it looks like everyday system activity. Regularly audit your systems, and limit access to sensitive tools or administrative privileges. 

2. Combining Cyber and Influence Operations for Greater Impact 

This new strategy isn’t about stealing data, it’s about spreading chaos. Cybercriminals are combining hacking with tactics like spreading misinformation or creating fake accounts to damage reputations. Think leaked data, impersonated identities, or misinformation spreading across your social media platforms.  

The goal is to increase the damage of the attack while causing chaos and confusion. For businesses, this means staying vigilant not only against direct threats but also reputational risks, particularly during critical times like the holiday season. 

💡 How to stay protected:  

Encourage employees and customers to rely on your verified social media accounts and website for updates. Post clear, accurate information regularly, and use multi-factor authentication for corporate accounts while watching for fake profiles or unauthorized access.  

3.  Phishing and Social Engineering Exploits 

Let’s be honest, how many of us are waiting this time of the year for special holiday deals? Cybercriminals know this, and they’re ready to take advantage.  

During the holidays, phishing scams are everywhere, disguised as emails from popular retailers or shipping companies. “Your package is delayed” or “Exclusive holiday offer—click here!” might seem harmless, but a single click could give attackers access to sensitive information or install harmful software.  

According to Microsoft, phishing remains one of the most common attack methods, with hundreds of millions of attempts occurring daily.  

💡 How to stay protected:  

Take a moment to pause before clicking on links or opening attachments, especially if something feels off. Double-check the sender’s email address for typos or inconsistencies and never share sensitive information without verifying the source. Encourage your team to ask questions if they’re unsure and use tools like spam filters to catch suspicious emails before they land in your inbox. A little extra caution can go a long way in keeping your business safe. 

4. The Role of AI in Cybercrime 

In the past, creating malware was a task for skilled experts who had deep technical knowledge to bypass security barriers. Today, thanks to AI tools anyone with basic access can generate malicious code in minutes.  

This shift is concerning! It illustrates that attackers don’t need to be skilled hackers anymore; they just need access to the right tools. 

💡 How to stay protected: 

Simple steps such as training your team to spot threats and deploying smarter tools that can catch problems early can make all the difference. You can also partner with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) to gain expert oversight of your IT infrastructure. As AI continues to evolve, staying vigilant means staying protected. 

Why It Matters 

The holiday season is a busy time for everyone, including cybercriminals. Let’s use this season to get proactive: 

✅ Review your current defenses: Are your firewalls, antivirus programs, and passwords strong enough to stand up to modern threats? 

✅ Educate your team: Help employees recognize frauds and teach your staff what to do if they spot something suspicious. 

✅ Invest in smarter tools or get help: Advanced systems can detect threats before they cause harm. Partnering with a managed service provider can help you keep your business safe without the constant worry, because prevention is always better than damage control. 

Let’s Wrap Up the Year Securely 

We know it can feel like a lot to take in, cybersecurity is complex, and when you are trying to keep up with everything else, it is easy to get overwhelmed. The good news is, you don’t have to handle it all alone. 

That’s where we come in. At Sea to Sky Network Solutions, we’re here to help take the weight off your shoulders. We handle the technical side of your business, keeping your IT secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly, so your business can focus on what truly matters: driving growth and achieving your goals. 

Your security is our priority. Contact | Sea to Sky Network Solutions and together we’ll make sure you’re set for a confident start to 2025.