Introduction: Why the Holiday Break Is Risky for Your Tech
When your business closes for Christmas, your computers, servers, and office equipment don’t take a holiday. They sit there—unattended, vulnerable, and exposed to risks like:
- Unmonitored systems that can crash without anyone noticing
- Break‑ins or theft when offices are empty
- Summer storms and heat that can knock out power or cooling
The good news? With a simple checklist, you can lock down your business tech before you lock the front door. Here’s how Forbes businesses can avoid January disasters.
1. Data Backup – Don’t Risk Losing Everything
Think of backups as insurance for your digital life. If your systems fail while you’re away, a backup means you don’t lose critical files.
- Do a full backup before closing. Copy all important files, databases, and emails.
- Test your restore. A backup is useless if you can’t restore it. The best way to test is inside a virtual machine (using tools like VirtualBox or Hyper‑V). That way, you can simulate a full system recovery without touching your live environment.
- Get help if needed. Small Space IT can assist with test restorations to make sure your backups actually work.
- Keep an offsite or cloud copy. If your office burns down or is broken into, a local backup won’t help. Cloud storage or an external drive kept offsite is safer.
👉 Beginner tip: Try restoring a single file into a test environment. If that works, you’re on the right track.
2. Security – Lock Down Digital and Physical Access
Holiday shutdowns are prime time for hackers and thieves. Protect both your systems and your gear.
- Update passwords. Use strong, unique passwords.
- Enable two‑factor authentication (2FA). This adds a second lock to your accounts—like a code sent to your phone.
- Check antivirus and updates. Make sure your antivirus software is current and your systems have installed the latest patches.
- Check CCTV cameras and recorders. Clean the lenses, confirm they record properly, and test that they work in low‑light/night conditions.
- Know your provider. Small Space IT holds a NSW Class 2BC security license and a master license, and we’re a reseller for Reolink cameras. That includes hard‑wired systems, solar‑powered wireless cameras, and even 4G cameras for farms and sheds. We can also troubleshoot Reolink, Hikvision, Micron, and most other systems.
- Secure equipment physically. Lock server rooms, secure laptops, and don’t leave devices visible through windows.
👉 Beginner tip: If you’ve never set up 2FA, start with your email—it’s the most common target. Free apps like Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator make it simple to add that extra layer of protection.
3. Power Protection – Guard Against Summer Storms
In Central West NSW, summer storms and heat can knock out power or damage equipment.
- Use surge protectors. Proper surge protection is essential.
- Install UPS systems (Uninterruptible Power Supplies). These keep servers, POS systems, networking gear, and other critical equipment running long enough to shut down safely.
- Shut down non‑essential systems. If you don’t need a server running over the break, power it down properly.
- Environmental monitoring. If you have servers cooled by air conditioning, cheap Wi‑Fi‑based monitors can alert you if the temperature rises unexpectedly.
👉 Beginner tip: A UPS is like a battery backup. It doesn’t keep things running forever, but it gives you time to shut down safely.
4. Remote Access – Plan for Emergencies
What if something goes wrong while you’re away? Remote access lets you (or your IT support) jump in without driving back to the office.
- Set up VPN access. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure way to connect to your office systems. It’s also a great tool for owners and key staff to check in remotely.
- Decide who has keys and passwords. Make sure only trusted staff or your IT provider can get in.
- Test remote connections before you leave. Don’t wait until Christmas Day to find out your VPN doesn’t work.
👉 Beginner tip: Think of a VPN as a secure tunnel between your laptop and your office network.
5. Emergency Contacts – Know Who to Call
Not every problem is urgent, but some can’t wait until January. The key is to define what counts as an emergency and who to call.
- System failures (servers, POS, networking outages): Call Small Space IT. We can diagnose and restore critical systems quickly.
- CCTV failures or suspicious activity: Call Small Space IT. We can troubleshoot Reolink, Hikvision, Micron, and most other systems, clean lenses, and confirm cameras record properly in low‑light/night conditions.
- Malware or suspected hacking: Call Small Space IT immediately. We can isolate infected systems, clean them, and secure your network.
- Refrigeration/aircon failures in server rooms: Call your refrigeration/aircon technician. Environmental monitoring can alert you, but cooling repairs need a licensed refrigeration specialist.
- Power failures: First check if it’s an Essential Energy outage. If not, call your electrician to investigate and repair.
- Break‑ins or theft: Call the police first. Once the site is secure, call Small Space IT to check systems, reset passwords, and review CCTV footage.
- Printer problems: Depends on context.
- Generic reports? Can wait until reopening.
- Emergency paperwork like passport replacements, printed plane tickets, or government documents of any kind? Treat as urgent—call Small Space IT if you need immediate printing support. Worst case, you can print those documents on one of our many printers.
👉 Beginner tip: Write down both your IT support number and other critical contacts (police, electrician, refrigeration/aircon, landlord) on a single sheet near the office phone. Free apps like Microsoft Authenticator and Google Authenticator are also worth installing before the break to lock down your accounts. If you use another IT support business, write down their number. If you don’t have IT support or you’re an existing client, write down our number.
Outro: Peace of Mind for Forbes Businesses
Closing your doors for Christmas shouldn’t mean opening the door to IT disasters. With this checklist, you can enjoy your break knowing your business tech is safe, backed up, and protected.
📞 Call Small Space IT today to book your pre‑holiday IT audit. We’ll make sure your systems are ready before the shutdown, so you can relax with peace of mind.