Read the latest media release from LEAP Strategies on the rising threat of Black Friday to business Security.
The Rising Threat of Black Friday to Business Security
Businesses advised to strengthen cybersecurity during Fraud Awareness Week
‘Cyber criminals are circling’ is the stark warning LEAP Strategies is issuing to Australian businesses ahead of Fraud Awareness Week (16–22 November). With Black Friday and the festive season around the corner, LEAP Strategies warns that workplaces are leaving the door open to fraud as staff shop online from work devices.
Cyber incidents typically rise during the Black Friday and Christmas period as busy staff and distracted business owners inadvertently open the door to cybercriminals through malicious links, fake parcel delivery scams, or unsafe online shopping activity on company networks. With employees using work laptops to shop online and track deliveries, businesses face an increased risk of phishing, ransomware, and other cyber threats that can disrupt business operations during the busiest time of year.
LEAP Strategies are warning that businesses remain a key target for cybercriminals due to their often-limited security resources and high reliance on digital transactions during peak retail periods.
For businesses that rely heavily on digital transactions and online sales during the busy shopping period, any downtime caused by a cyberattack can quickly erode a sizeable portion of seasonal profits, particularly when trading volumes are at their highest. By contrast, taking proactive security measures, such as strengthening authentication, updating systems and training staff, is far more cost-effective than dealing with the financial and reputational fallout of a breach.
Grant Crough, Founder of leading SME cyber tech business, LEAP Strategies, said, “Cyber criminals know that people let their guard down this time of year. They count on busy staff clicking on fake delivery updates, bogus shopping deals, and phishing links.
“For all businesses, Fraud Awareness Week is the perfect time for a proactive approach to cyber security. Just one careless click can compromise an entire network and lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and operational downtime, all of which can be devastating during the critical end-of-year trading period.”
LEAP Strategies is urging business owners to implement basic but effective cyber security measures, including:
- Running pre-holiday security audits to check for vulnerabilities.
- Enabling multi-factor authentication across all accounts.
- Providing quick refresher training to staff on recognising phishing attempts and suspicious emails.
- Ensuring all software and systems are up to date with the latest security patches.
- Encouraging employees to separate personal shopping from work networks wherever possible.
Acting today can prevent costly breaches tomorrow. LEAP Strategies is encouraging Australian businesses to put cybersecurity at the forefront of their planning during Fraud Awareness Week.
-ENDS-
For more information, interviews or case studies, contact:
Olivia Wilson
ppr – 03 9696 6417
Olivia@progressivepr.com.au
About LEAP Strategies
LEAP Strategies isn’t just another IT provider. We are a Strategic Technology Partner for Australian SMEs, helping them stay secure, compliant, and competitive in a constantly changing digital world.
Our team are specialists in cybersecurity, compliance, and technology management. We take a proactive approach, designing solutions that not only solve today’s challenges but prepare clients for what’s next.
We believe technology should empower growth, not hold it back. That’s why we focus on clear strategy, tailored solutions, and trusted long-term partnerships.
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