IT Tips for a Stress-Free Christmas Shutdown
The holiday season is fast approaching, and for many businesses, that means gearing up for a well-deserved break. But before you close the office doors, don’t overlook the importance of securing your IT systems. A little preparation now can save you from unnecessary headaches later.
Here’s our checklist to ensure your business IT is ready for the Christmas shutdown:
1. Back Up Everything (and Check It Twice!)
Ensure all critical data is backed up—this includes client records, emails, documents, and system settings. Store backups securely, ideally offsite or in the cloud. Using solutions like ThinkSafe or OneDrive makes accessing essential files remotely simple and secure.
Pro Tip: Test your backup system to ensure its functioning correctly.
2. Protect Against Power Surges
Holiday power cuts and surges can wreak havoc on your devices. Invest in surge protectors and uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) to safeguard critical equipment. Our team can audit your power setups and recommend the best solutions for peace of mind.
3. Set Clear Out-of-Office Communications
Let your clients and partners know your shutdown period by setting up email auto-replies and phone messages. If you use an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system—where callers can press options like “Press 1 for opening hours, 2 to speak to accounts”—now is the time to ensure it’s updated for the holiday period.
You can also set up overflow calls to redirect to another team member or forward to a mobile phone for urgent inquiries during the break. Clear communication avoids frustration and ensures everyone knows when you’ll be back.
If you’re unsure how to set these up—or need assistance with call flow settings—our team is here to help.
4. Check Your System Health
During the holidays, there’s often increased online activity—whether it's employees shopping online or cybercriminals ramping up phishing attempts. Make sure your antivirus, malware protection, and system monitoring tools are up-to-date and effective.
5. Reinforce Cybersecurity Policies
Remind employees of cybersecurity best practices, even during the break. Ensure they understand the risks of using work devices for personal activities, such as online shopping, and provide guidelines for safe behaviour. If you’d like help implementing website restrictions, let us know.
6. Plan for Next Year’s IT Needs
The quiet holiday period is the perfect time to assess your IT setup for the year ahead. Evaluate software upgrades, system changes, or security enhancements that could boost productivity and protect your business.
7. Tidy Up Your Systems
Use the downtime to clean up your IT environment. Organise files, delete unnecessary data, and ensure systems are optimised for the new year. Think of it as digital spring cleaning to start the next year fresh.
8. Enable Remote Monitoring and Support
For our Managed Service clients, your IT systems are already in safe hands with 24/7 remote monitoring. But if you’re not yet taking advantage of this service, now is the time to consider it.
Remote monitoring ensures that any unusual activity, system failures, or potential threats are detected early—even while you’re enjoying a well-earned break. This proactive approach helps minimise downtime and keeps your business secure.
Not sure if remote monitoring is right for you? Let’s chat about how it could work for your business and provide peace of mind during the holidays.
Ready for a Worry-Free Break?
If you need assistance with any of these tips—or want to explore solutions like ThinkSafe or advanced monitoring—our team is here to help. Let’s make sure your IT is in top shape before the holiday season begins.
