Security for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is approaching quickly! While maintaining strong security practices should be a primary focus throughout the year, it is important to understand the increased threats during the holiday season.

The hustle, bustle, and general spirit of celebration that we experience during the holidays can lead to distraction and lower our guard. Unfortunately, criminals and our adversaries don’t slow their nefarious goals simply because we are busy, distracted, or nurturing kindness during the holidays. In fact, this gives them a better opportunity to exploit us.

Holiday OPSEC

OPSEC (Operations Security) is a five-step process used to identify and protect sensitive information from our adversaries:

1. Identify What Needs Protection
2. Analyze the Threat
3. Analyze Vulnerabilities
4. Assess Risk
5. Apply Countermeasures

These same concepts can, and should, be used to protect ourselves, our families, our homes, and our data during the holiday season.

Safety in Public and Crowded Places

• Situational awareness! No matter where you are, always be mindful of your surroundings.
• Have an exit plan and know how to contact the authorities if something goes sideways.
• If anything feels off, say something.
• Take care when carrying large amounts of cash. Look out for “shoulder surfers” looking to steal your credit card information.
• When out purchasing gifts, consider bringing items back to your vehicle as you shop and placing them in your trunk, out of sight.

Data Security

• Always follow all company and government data security protocols.
• Never use company-issued or government-furnished equipment for online shopping.
• Consider a personal VPN to help secure your data.
• Use strong passwords, change them frequently, and never share them with anyone.
• Whenever possible, use multi-factor authentication.

Online Shopping

• Know that scams and phishing are especially heightened during the holidays.
• Know how to identify safe and secure websites.
• Always follow safe and proper cybersecurity practices.
• Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Securing Your Home During the Holidays

• Protect and control your house keys, door codes, and garage access codes with extreme caution.
• Keep a light on, even when you are not at home.
• Keep valuables out of sight.
• Consider a home security system and video surveillance system.
• Be wary of canvassers and anyone requesting access to your residence.
• Mind who is “hanging out” in your neighborhood and report any suspicious activity.
• Care what you share publicly and on social media.

Protect Your Home When You’re Gone

More than 80 million Americans travel 50+ miles from home during the holidays, leaving personal space vulnerable. Studies show that 40% of burglaries do not involve forced entry and most burglars are deterred by simple safeguards.

Secure your home:

• Lock every door and window, including your garage door
• Activate your home security system
• Put valuables in a safe or safety deposit box
• Remove “hidden” keys

Don’t make it look like you’re not home:

• Never post travel plans on social media
• Consider putting lights, TVs, or radios on intermittent timers
• Don’t leave trash and trash cans at the curb

Foreign Travel

If you are traveling outside the US, don’t forget to report it to your FSO! For most of us, all personal and professional foreign travel requires reporting. Ideally, foreign travel should be reported 30 days in advance of departure.

Resources and Additional Learning

• DLA Holiday Safety & Security
• CISA Online Shopper Safety
• CISA Cybersecurity Best Practices
• National Safety Council Holiday Safety

As always, if you have any questions about whether or not a situation requires reporting, ask your FSO!