Staying Secure and productive
As we head into November and December, businesses face a unique set of cybersecurity and operational challenges. The holiday season brings excitement and opportunity, but it also creates distractions that cybercriminals are eager to exploit.
One of the biggest risks this time of year is the rise in phishing scams tied to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Employees are often shopping online from work devices or checking personal emails during breaks, which can blur the lines between business and personal activity. Hackers take advantage of this by sending convincing emails disguised as shipping notifications, sales promotions, or account alerts. A single click on a malicious link can open the door to ransomware or data theft.
At the same time, the holidays mean staffing adjustments and PTO coverage. With team members out of the office, responsibilities are shifted, and normal routines may be disrupted. This can create gaps in oversight that attackers look to exploit — whether through fraudulent emails or attempts to access accounts without detection.
It’s also worth remembering that IT downtime during the holidays can be especially disruptive. Even a few hours of system outages can impact year-end sales, client projects, or financial reporting. Proactive measures like patching systems, testing backups, and ensuring monitoring tools are in place can help prevent costly surprises.
At IT360, we’re here to help keep your systems running smoothly. From remote monitoring and support to onsite solutions when needed, our team is ready to step in quickly to minimize disruptions and resolve issues before they escalate.
The bottom line: Holiday cheer shouldn’t come with cybersecurity stress. By preparing staff, reinforcing awareness, and relying on IT360’s proactive support, your business can enjoy the season with peace of mind — and without unnecessary disruption.
IT360 DAY AT WRIGLEY FIELD!
Our team took some well-deserved time to celebrate IT360 Day with a rooftop watch party at Wrigley Field! From great company to Cubs baseball and incredible views—it was the perfect way to honor the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that power everything we do.
Here’s to our amazing crew who go above and beyond every day—you make IT360 what it is!
Ask Rami:
Question: “Does automation mean I’ll lose control over my processes?”
Answer: Actually, it’s the opposite. Automations create consistency—no steps skipped, no typos, no missed deadlines. Plus, we can build in visibility through dashboards, logs, email notifications and approval gates so you see exactly what’s happening and can step in whenever needed
About Rami:
Hello, my name is Rami. I graduated from Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. I continued my studies to earn a master’s degree in computer science, focusing on data analytics and AI. I am part of the AI & Automations team at IT360, where I help clients start their AI journey and build automations of all shapes and sizes, from custom solutions to implementing existing AI systems into their business. Outside of work and the constantly evolving landscape of AI, I enjoy spending time outdoors fishing (which is more like casting, because I don’t do much catching) and tinkering with electronics
Did you know?
Why Now? The Holiday Factor
November through December is always a high-risk time for cyberattacks. Businesses are busy, IT teams may be stretched thin, and employees are more distracted than usual. Hackers know this — and they take advantage. Phishing emails disguised as shipping updates, “holiday deals,” or end-of-year account verifications spike during this season. Add AI into the mix, and those scams are harder to detect than ever before.
For small and mid-sized businesses, the danger is amplified. Many SMBs assume attackers won’t target them, but reports now show that small businesses are increasingly on the front lines of AI-driven attacks. Why? Because criminals see them as easier targets with fewer resources to defend themselves.
CyberSecurity:
Cybersecurity Spotlight: When AI Helps the Bad Guys, The New Reality of AI-Powered Attacks
Today’s cybercriminals are no longer limited to poorly written phishing emails or basic malware. They are deploying AI-powered phishing campaigns that produce flawless grammar, imitate writing styles, and even carry on “conversations” if a victim responds. These aren’t the obvious scams of yesterday — they look like authentic emails from your bank, your IT department, or even your CEO.
Ransomware, one of the most damaging forms of cyberattack, has also evolved. 80% of ransomware attacks now involve AI, meaning the malware can adapt in real time, evade traditional defenses, and spread faster across networks. Unlike older ransomware, which followed a predictable script, AI-powered variants can pivot strategies if they encounter roadblocks, making them far harder to contain.
Perhaps most alarming is the rise of deepfake technology. Once thought of as science fiction, deepfakes are now being used in real business fraud. Criminals can generate convincing audio recordings or video messages that mimic executives, asking employees to release funds, approve wire transfers, or share sensitive information. These manipulations are so realistic that even trained employees may not think twice about complying.
The Bottom Line
AI is reshaping business in incredible ways, but it’s also transforming cybercrime. This holiday season, as you prepare your business for year-end, remember: vigilance is the best gift you can give your company. Stay cautious, stay informed, and when in doubt — let IT360 help you evaluate and respond before an incident becomes a crisis.
Proactive Step: Ask us about scheduling a deepfake and AI-phishing readiness test for your team. It’s a safe, controlled way to measure how well your organization can spot today’s most advanced threats — and it could prevent tomorrow’s cyber disaster.
Project spotlight
IT360 recently completed a system upgrade for a private, nonprofit, community-based agency, enhancing the performance and longevity of their technology infrastructure. The project involved upgrading 18 workstations to Windows 11 Pro and evaluating each machine for potential RAM enhancements. Where applicable, new RAM was installed to optimize system speed and responsiveness. After installation, all devices were thoroughly tested to ensure smooth operation. These upgrades empower the organization’s team with faster, more reliable tools—helping them better serve their community every day.
A Note of thanks from it360
As we head into the season of gratitude, we want to take a moment to thank our incredible clients and dedicated team members. Your trust, collaboration, and commitment make everything we do possible. We’re grateful for the partnerships we’ve built, the projects we’ve accomplished together, and the continued growth we share.
From all of us at IT360—thank you for being part of our journey. Wishing you a safe, joyful, and tech-trouble-free Thanksgiving!
