Now New Holiday Travel Warning as Christmas and New Year Trip Starts: Cybersecurity Experts Reveals Cyberattacks Targeting Professionals for Business Travellers

Published on December 26, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

As the Christmas and New Year trip season kicks off, cybersecurity experts are raising alarms about a significant rise in cyberattacks targeting professionals, especially business travellers. During this busy period, as professionals rush to complete end-of-year deals and travel to meetings, cybercriminals are ramping up their efforts. Business travellers carrying valuable data on their devices are especially vulnerable. With cyberattacks increasing, it’s crucial for all business travellers to be aware of the risks and follow expert advice on how to protect themselves and their devices. Stay informed to ensure your holiday travels remain safe and secure.

Holiday Travel Warning: Cyber Threats Targeting Professionals Surge by 30% Over Christmas

The holiday season brings festive cheer, but for business travellers, it also opens the door to a significant rise in cyber threats. Cybersecurity experts report a 30% increase in ransomware attacks globally during the Christmas period, with professionals carrying laptops, smartphones, and other sensitive business data becoming prime targets. The combination of the rush to catch flights, meet clients, and close year-end deals leaves business travellers vulnerable to attacks. Cybercriminals take advantage of this busy period to exploit weak security practices, making it essential for professionals to stay vigilant. In this article, we’ll delve into the specific cyber threats targeting business travellers, provide expert advice on how to protect yourself, and explain why cybersecurity is now more crucial than ever during holiday travel.

Cybersecurity Expert Warns of Surge in Cyberattacks Targeting Business Travelers

With business travellers on the move during the holiday season, cybercriminals are seizing the opportunity to launch attacks. Chris Shyrock, Director of Support Services at a global cloud infrastructure provider, highlights that the festive rush often leads to relaxed security practices, making business travellers easy prey for cybercriminals. Cybersecurity lapses in airports, hotels, and cafes — where sensitive information is often accessed or transmitted — can put entire company networks at risk. A single compromised device can lead to far-reaching consequences, including data breaches and system compromises. During this time, when professionals are distracted by travel schedules, the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks is at its highest.

Why Are Business Travelers Prime Targets for Cybercriminals?

Business travellers are a prime target for cybercriminals because the devices they carry often hold highly valuable data. From financial records and client databases to intellectual property and confidential business communications, a business traveller’s device is a treasure trove for cybercriminals. Unlike average consumers, business professionals often have elevated access privileges to company systems, making their devices worth more to attackers. A single compromised device can provide access to entire company networks, customer data, and sensitive communications. Cybercriminals know that business travellers typically have access to privileged information, which is why they’re willing to invest more effort in targeting them. This makes it all the more critical for business travellers to employ stringent security practices when on the move.

The Hidden Cyber Threats in Airports, Hotels, and Shared Wi-Fi Hubs

Cybercriminals exploit high-traffic areas like airports, hotels, and cafes to carry out their attacks. These crowded environments offer countless opportunities to intercept data, steal devices, or trick travellers into compromising their security. The rush and chaos that come with travel, especially during the holidays, create the perfect storm for cybercriminals to thrive. Business professionals are often seen working on sensitive documents, checking emails, or reviewing presentations in these public spaces, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.

Public Wi-Fi networks are one of the most common ways cybercriminals target business travellers. Free Wi-Fi at airports and hotels is convenient, but it can also be a dangerous gateway for cybercriminals to intercept your data. Phishing scams are another common method used to deceive business travellers. Cybercriminals send fake emails or text messages posing as airlines, hotels, or travel booking sites, often offering urgent information about flight cancellations or booking confirmations. These messages contain malicious links designed to steal your credentials or install malware on your device. Another growing concern is device theft, which can occur when business travellers are distracted or inattentive. Cybercriminals specifically target these individuals, knowing their devices often contain valuable data.

Rogue Wi-Fi Networks: The Silent Threat You Never Saw Coming

The danger of connecting to rogue Wi-Fi networks is one of the biggest threats facing business travellers. Cybercriminals often set up fake Wi-Fi hotspots with names that resemble legitimate networks. These fake networks are designed to intercept everything you send or receive once connected. From emails to passwords, sensitive company documents to financial transactions, anything transmitted over a rogue Wi-Fi network can be accessed by the attacker. Cybercriminals may set up networks with names like “Airport_Free_WiFi” or “Hotel_Guest,” tricking travellers into connecting. Once your device is connected to these fake networks, your sensitive data is compromised.

Shoulder Surfing: How Cybercriminals Can Steal Your Data Without You Knowing

Another prevalent threat is shoulder surfing. In crowded spaces like airport lounges, hotel lobbies, or coffee shops, cybercriminals can easily peek over your shoulder and steal sensitive information. Whether it’s a password, access code, client information, or a confidential email, business travellers often overlook the risk of being observed while working in public spaces. To avoid shoulder surfing, using a privacy screen can help shield your device from prying eyes. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid working on sensitive material in busy, high-traffic areas.

Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals Exploit Your Holiday Stress

During the hectic holiday season, business travellers are more likely to fall victim to phishing attacks. Cybercriminals exploit the anxiety surrounding travel disruptions, such as flight cancellations or hotel booking issues. These phishing scams typically come in the form of urgent emails or text messages claiming to be from airlines, hotels, or travel booking platforms. The message often includes a link asking the traveller to click for more information or to resolve an issue. In their rush to confirm their travel plans, many professionals click the link without verifying the sender, exposing themselves to potential cyberattacks.

Device Theft: A Moment of Distraction is All It Takes

Device theft is another significant concern for business travellers. Airports, hotel lobbies, and other crowded places are prime locations for thieves to target. A momentary lapse in attention is all it takes for a thief to snatch your laptop, phone, or tablet. These devices often contain sensitive data, making them highly valuable to cybercriminals. To protect yourself, always keep your devices within sight, especially when passing through security checkpoints or in busy public spaces. Use device encryption and strong passwords to add an extra layer of security in case your device is stolen.

The Best Defense: Preparation and Cybersecurity Best Practices

According to experts, the best defense against cyber threats is preparation. Before you travel, take the time to create a cybersecurity checklist and follow it religiously. Here are some essential steps business travellers should take to protect their devices:

1. Use a VPN on all public networks to ensure your internet traffic is secure.
2. Verify Wi-Fi networks before connecting to them. If in doubt, ask hotel staff or airport personnel.
3. Bring your own charging cables and avoid using USB charging ports in public spaces.
4. Enable multi-factor authentication on all accounts for added security.
5. Turn off Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and auto-connect features when not in use to prevent unauthorized access.
6. Do not click links in urgent travel-related emails. Instead, go directly to the official airline or hotel website.
   By following these cybersecurity best practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cyberattacks during your holiday travels.

Conclusion: Stay Safe During Your Holiday Travels with Simple Cybersecurity Measures

The holiday season may bring much-needed rest and relaxation, but it also presents an opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit distracted business travellers. With ransomware attacks and phishing scams on the rise, it’s more important than ever for professionals to follow best practices for cybersecurity. A single compromised device can lead to a catastrophic breach, affecting not only the individual traveller but also the entire company network. By staying vigilant, following expert advice, and implementing strong cybersecurity measures, you can protect yourself and your sensitive data while enjoying a safe and stress-free holiday season.