End-of-Year Security Slips — Why December Is Prime Time for Human Error
Why December Is a High-Risk Month
December is one of the busiest—and most distracted—months of the year. Year-end deadlines, holidays, reduced staffing, and routine disruptions combine to create the perfect conditions for human error. While cyber threats exist year-round, many security incidents in December happen not because of advanced attacks, but because normal safeguards are overlooked or rushed.
Common End-of-Year Security Mistakes
- Rushing Through Tasks
Deadlines encourage shortcuts—skipping verification steps, reusing passwords, or ignoring security warnings. - Unusual Access Requests
Temporary coverage, handoffs, and last-minute projects often require expanded access that isn’t always revoked later. - Reduced Oversight
Key personnel may be out of the office, delaying approvals or reviews that normally catch errors. - Email and Transaction Assumptions
End-of-year invoices, bonuses, vendor changes, and shipping notices increase the likelihood of acting on fraudulent or misdirected requests. - Device and Data Handling Lapses
Lost phones, shared devices during travel, or files sent “just to get it done” can expose sensitive information.
Why Human Error Matters More Than Ever
Most security incidents do not start with sophisticated hacking—they start with a normal person making a normal mistake. In December, those mistakes become more likely as attention shifts toward closing out the year rather than pausing to verify details.
Importantly, these incidents are rarely caused by bad intent. They are typically the result of:
- Fatigue
- Distraction
- Time pressure
- Familiarity (“I’ve done this a hundred times before.”)
Simple Steps to Reduce Risk This Month
- Slow Down on Unusual Requests
Treat urgent, unexpected, or financial requests with extra scrutiny—especially if they arrive by email or text. - Verify Before Acting
When in doubt, confirm requests using a known phone number or separate communication channel. - Be Mindful of Temporary Access
Grant only what’s necessary and ensure any temporary permissions are reviewed or removed in January. - Secure Devices During Travel
Lock screens, avoid public Wi-Fi when possible, and never leave devices unattended. - Speak Up Early
Reporting a mistake quickly can prevent a small issue from becoming a major incident. Security works best without blame.
Final Thoughts
December’s greatest security risk isn’t new technology—it’s distraction. By recognizing how year-end pressures impact decision-making, individuals and organizations can take simple, proactive steps to reduce risk. A small pause, one extra verification, or a quick question can make all the difference.