The holidays are coming. You’ve got gift lists, travel plans, and maybe a few ugly sweaters queued up. But while you’re decking the halls, your business tech might be quietly preparing its own version of chaos, slow networks, forgotten passwords, and the dreaded “we thought someone else was handling that” moment.
At Southwest Cloud Partners, we know that IT for the holidays isn’t just about keeping the lights on, it’s about making sure your systems are secure, your team is supported, and your business doesn’t grind to a halt while everyone’s sipping eggnog.
Here’s how to prep your IT so it doesn’t become the Grinch that steals your December.
1. Review Your Remote Access Setup
Whether your team is working from home, traveling, or just checking in between family gatherings, remote access needs to be smooth and secure. That means:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is turned on and working.
- VPNs or cloud-based access points are tested and reliable.
- Devices used outside the office are encrypted and updated.
If your remote setup feels like a patchwork of “it kinda works,” now’s the time to clean it up. The holidays are not when you want to troubleshoot a remote login issue from a ski lodge Wi-Fi.
2. Update Your Backup Strategy
Holiday downtime is prime time for cyberattacks. Fewer eyes on systems means more opportunity for bad actors. Make sure:
- Your backups are current and tested.
- You’re backing up both cloud and on-prem data.
- You have a recovery plan that doesn’t involve crossing your fingers.
A good backup is like a snow shovel, you hope you don’t need it, but when the storm hits, you’ll be glad it’s there.
3. Communicate Your IT Plan with Staff
Your team needs to know what’s expected during the holidays. Are there blackout dates for updates? Who’s on call for tech support? What’s the protocol if something breaks?
Send out a simple IT holiday guide:
- Who to contact for help
- What systems will be monitored
- Any scheduled maintenance or downtime
Clear communication prevents the “I didn’t know who to call” spiral that leads to lost productivity and frustrated employees.
4. Secure Your Office Before You Lock the Door
If your physical office will be empty for a few days or weeks, don’t forget the basics:
- Power down unused equipment.
- Check that security cameras and alarms are functioning.
- Make sure your server room isn’t doubling as a space heater.
And if you’re still running on-prem servers, consider this your nudge: IT for the holidays is a lot easier when your infrastructure lives in the cloud.
5. Plan for the “Post-Holiday Reboot”
January is notorious for tech surprises. Passwords forgotten. Licenses expired. Systems that didn’t get patched in December.
Set yourself up for a smooth return:
- Schedule updates and patches for early January.
- Review software renewals and subscriptions.
- Plan a quick IT check-in with your team to catch any issues early.
Think of it like taking down the decorations, better to do it with a plan than wait until Valentine’s Day.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Gamble on IT Support
Las Vegas may be the city of chance, but your IT shouldn’t be. If your current support feels more reactive than proactive, let’s talk. We specialize in helping small businesses prepare for the unexpected, especially during high-risk times like the holidays.
Whether it’s setting up secure remote access, managing backups, or just being the calm voice on the other end of the line, Southwest Cloud Partners is here to make sure your IT for the holidays is something you don’t have to worry about.
Final Thoughts
The holidays should be a time to recharge, not reboot your server at midnight. With a little planning and the right partner, your business can stay secure, connected, and productive—even when your team is off the clock.
Need help getting your IT holiday-ready? Let’s chat before the chaos hits. We’ll make sure your tech is as festive and functional as the rest of your season.
