Writing for Cyber Security Awareness Month, Michael Field, MD of Workflo Solutions, urges businesses to take proactive steps before the holiday rush attracts a wave of online attacks

From October onwards, consumer activity traditionally ramps up in the lead up to Christmas. So too does staff sickness, as flu and winter sickness bugs begin to circulate. This combination can leave individuals and businesses vulnerable to attack – from phishing scams targeting consumers under the guise of shopping and delivery emails, to ransomware attacks that target organisations during periods of limited staff availability.

West Lothian’s Workflo Solutions is hoping to drive home that important message by joining the Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign. Taking place each October, this global campaign aims to encourage businesses, organisations and individuals everywhere to take practical steps to protect themselves online.

Speaking ahead of the launch of Cyber Security Awareness Month, Workflo Solutions’ managing director Michael Field said; “Incidents like the malicious cyber attack that forced Jaguar Land Rover to suspend production serve as stark reminders of just how devastating a cyber attack can be for any business. And the recent attack on European airports which caused widespread delays and disruption across Heathrow, Brussels, Dublin and Berlin show just how far-reaching the effects of a cyber attack can be. Every year we see an increase in attacks from October onwards, so this month we’re urging everyone to take proactive steps to stay safe online.”

For individuals, Michael and his team of cyber security experts recommend creating strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, keeping software updated and double-checking before downloading attachments or clicking any links within emails. For businesses, they recommend a five-step approach to minimising potential vulnerabilities:

Audit your data: Understand what you hold and how it flows through your systems

Evaluate supplier risks: Ask if your partners’ systems are as secure as your own

Invest in early detection: Use monitoring and penetration testing to spot breaches sooner

Formalise clear communication plans: Provide clarity to employees, customers and partners if disruption strikes

Ensure continuity, even if systems go down: Use manual workarounds and backups as a Plan B. They may feel old-fashioned, but they could just save your business in a crisis

Cyber Security Awareness Month, held globally every October, is a campaign designed to educate and empower individuals, businesses, and organisations to protect themselves online. It highlights practical steps that can dramatically reduce the risk of attack. By raising awareness and encouraging proactive action, the campaign aims to build a safer digital environment for everyone.