5 ways to start prepping your business for Christmas

Christmas is only a few months away, which means you need to safeguard your business against common cyber stresses and be to maximise returns in this important last quarter of the calendar year. 

1. Create (or update) your website 

Websites are a staple of the modern age. 

Around 82% of the UK population engage in online shopping, which amounts to a whopping 54 million people. If you don’t have an up-to-date website (or even a website at all), you are closing the door to potential customers. 

Once you’ve set up your website, you must update it. The quality of your website says a lot about your business and since 4 in 5 consumers need to trust a brand to consider buying from it, you should start working on your online Christmas strategy now. 

Not convinced? Here are 10 reasons your business needs a website. 

2. Update your security procedures

The frenzy of the festive season creates a breeding ground for online scams. The high traffic volumes and strained networks allow cyber-criminals to find your vulnerabilities. SEON, an online anti-fraud service, has released data that shows suspicious activity increases in the lead-up to Christmas, peaking between December 11th and December 16th. 

Here are our basic tips for preventing cyber-attacks. 

• Encourage employees to regularly change their passwords

• Enable multi-factor authentication

• Train employees to spot phishing emails 

• Update anti-virus software 

For a more comprehensive approach, contact Zen. We have a whole host of tried and tested business internet security solutions. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of eggnog while we keep your data safe.  

3. Replace old tech

Outdated technology can cause you stress over the festive period. 

Thanks to cloud-based solutions, physical and virtual IT security systems can seamlessly work together to give you double the protection. You might need to replace old hardware to take advantage of the newer IT security systems out there, but the cost of new systems is nothing compared to the cost of a successful cyber-attack. Consider your options now so you are facing into the busy festive season with the right technology and strategy for success. 

4. Back-up your data 

We can’t pretend that cyber-attacks never happen. According to government data, half of businesses and around a third of charities report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. 

Even with the most effective cyber safeguards imaginable, you still need to back up your data. Doing so could be the difference between a merry Christmas and a stressful New Year. You can use internal and external hard drives, or opt for a more modern approach and use a cloud system. 

5. Invest in comprehensive business solutions 

Are your connectivity, voice, domain, and security services fractured, as in you use more than one provider for your different requirements? 

The benefits of having one provider are massive. A trusted provider can handle all your needs and you only have to deal with one point of contact, which reduces stress, admin fees, and paperwork.

At Zen, we cover everything, including business full-fibre broadband, cyber security checks, and digital voice services. 

This “Business in a Box” concept only works because Zen is a trusted provider, earning the title of Which? Recommended Provider for Broadband for four consecutive years. When you choose our comprehensive services, you know your business will be safe, secure, and future-proofed. 

Contact us to future-proof your business 

We are uniquely placed to give your business comprehensive, personalised support in the lead-up to Christmas. Consolidating your connectivity solutions with Zen can help you identify potential virtual weak spots, reduce costs, and help sharpen your data protection policies. 

Contact us for a secure, stress-free Christmas.