Black Friday is one of the busiest sales periods for small businesses, and cybercriminals know it. When customer volume goes up and your team is stretched thin, attackers take advantage of the distraction. A single incident can disrupt sales, expose customer information, or shut down your operations during the most profitable weekend of the year.
Here are the top threats you should be aware of and the steps your business can take to stay protected.
1. Phishing and Social Engineering
Attackers send fake emails disguised as order updates, supplier notices, new invoices, or shipping alerts hoping someone clicks without thinking.
What you can do:
Train your team to double check sender addresses.
Avoid clicking links in unexpected emails and visit the website directly instead.
Use strong spam filters to reduce suspicious messages.
2. Ransomware Attacks
Hackers know this is the worst possible time for downtime. Ransomware usually spreads through malicious emails or unsafe downloads.
What you can do:
Keep all systems updated before the holiday rush.
Make sure your antivirus and endpoint protection are active and current.
Back up your data and verify the backups actually work.
3. Weak Wi-Fi and Unsecured Devices
Adding temporary registers, tablets, customer Wi-Fi, or handheld devices can open security gaps if not set up properly.
What you can do:
Separate your POS network from customer Wi-Fi.
Limit who has access to the main network.
Set strong passwords for every new device added for the season.
4. Website Traffic Problems and DDoS Attacks
High traffic is great until your website slows down or crashes. Some attackers intentionally flood sites to knock them offline.
What you can do:
Test your website’s speed and capacity before Black Friday.
Update plugins, themes, and security patches.
Use a CDN or security service that can absorb traffic spikes.
5. Fake Websites and Business Impersonation
Cybercriminals sometimes create lookalike websites or social profiles to steal customer payments.
What you can do:
Monitor mentions of your brand online.
Keep your domain and social accounts protected with strong credentials.
Educate customers about your official channels.
Final Thoughts
A few proactive steps can dramatically reduce your risk during Black Friday. If you are unsure where to begin or don’t have the time to manage these protections, we can guide you through the process and help you build a strong cybersecurity plan for the season. Call us at 305-256-2024 or contact us.
