2024: A year of risks reviewed
This long-form review covers how the risk landscape evolved in 2024, and what may be on the horizon for 2025.
🎙️ Listen to a summary of this update
Our next fortnightly risk update is due on the 23rd of December. We hope that the last thing you are doing is checking emails. So, this issue will be delayed until the 6th of January - when most of us are considering an appearance back in the office. This will be a review of the 4 week period over the holidays where no doubt there will be some emerging risks to evaluate.
The warmer weather for the southern hemisphere, and the colder days for the north ignites a time of reflection and planning. Most of us spend the holidays thinking about the year that has been, the year ahead, and some new year resolutions. We’ll do all that today as well as some considerations on shutting down for the holidays - a prime time for malicious cyber events, did you know.
So, get a brew on and let’s get into it ☕
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2024 in review
We started Unbreakable Ventures late this year with top stories covering the likes of serious climate concerns, China-sourced cyber attacks, major weather events, nuclear threats, and subsea infrastructure sabotage. And that’s only since November.
The World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report
Our fortnightly risk updates use the World Economic Forum’s risk categories found in their annual report. In the 2024 addition, the WEF identified the most likely major events based on a survey of 1,490 experts across academia, business, government, the international community, and civil society.
These categories tend to cover much of what we see across the world’s threat landscape. But the real value is that it sets a benchmark for the year ahead. Our team of business continuity advisors constantly check risks and events against the top 10 identified by WEF; what is evolving, what is decreasing?
When we provide our fortnightly risk email, these specifically sit against 5 of the WEF’s categories:
Economic
Environmental
Geopolitical
Societal
Technological
Learn how we use the categories on our summary page
You can see the WEF’s 2024 issue here
What in the report came true?
Let’s get into the top 10 ‘2 year’ risks WEF analysed in early 2024. We will provide some specific threats associated with the list, whether it came true (“Realised”), whether it increased in impact or stayed neutral throughout the year, and “our take”, a consideration for business leaders moving into 2025.
1. Misinformation and disinformation // Technological // Realised
What the report said
Ranked first by 53% of respondents, foreign and domestic actors may leverage misinformation and disinformation to widen political and societal divides. The report notes that, as close to three billion people are expected to vote in elections globally over the next two years, the use of AI-generated misinformation and disinformation may undermine the legitimacy of elected governments and lead to unrest, ranging from protests to terrorism.
Sources
AI and Emerging Tech for Humanitarian Action: Opportunities and Challenges
‘Violent chaos’: Fears grow for US election as disinformation spreads online
In summary
There have been numerous documented instances of AI-generated misinformation and disinformation spreading online in 2024. This includes deep fakes, manipulated images and videos, and the rapid dissemination of false or misleading information during major events.
The proliferation of AI-generated misinformation has significantly impacted political landscapes. In the U.S., AI-generated deep fake images have been used to mislead voters, raising concerns about election integrity. Similarly, in Ghana, networks of AI-generated content have been employed to influence electoral outcomes.
The increasing digitization of critical infrastructure and services has made them vulnerable to cyber threats, disrupting economies and compromising sensitive data. Cyberattacks have remained a major concern in 2024.
Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, if not properly regulated, have led to unintended consequences, including job displacement and ethical dilemmas. The humanitarian sector, for instance, is exploring AI's potential to address challenges, signalling a technological surge aimed at benefiting vulnerable populations.
Our take
AI-generated misinformation is evolving into a sophisticated tool for political manipulation and societal disruption. In 2025, monitor prime targets for disinformation campaigns (such as voting related matters). Watch for spikes in deep fake usage and narrative manipulation online. Prepare by investing in AI-driven verification tools, educating stakeholders on recognizing manipulated content, and collaborating with trusted media and tech partners to combat disinformation at scale.
2. Extreme Weather // Environmental // Realised
What the report said
This was ranked as second most likely risk in 2024 by two-thirds of respondents. The report states that the warming phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle was projected to intensify and persist until May 2024.
Sources
2024 is on track to be hottest year on record as warming temporarily hits 1.5°C / World Weather Attribution
OBSERVER: 2023 - A year of unprecedented heat and climate extremes
In summary
2024 has been a year of extreme weather events globally. Record-breaking heatwaves, devastating wildfires, and intense flooding have impacted numerous regions. The WMO has confirmed that 2024 is on track to be the warmest year on record, driven by the warming El Niño.
Multiple countries and regions have been effected such as the US, South Africa, and the Caribbean. These events underscore the escalating climate crisis. In comparison, 2023 was also marked by significant climate extremes, with global temperatures reaching 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels.
Approaching climate tipping points have triggered irreversible changes to planetary systems, leading to significant impacts on ecosystems and human societies. The warming phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle has intensified, contributing to these changes.
Our take
There is an urgent need for climate resilience planning. Business leaders should monitor regional climate forecasts and tipping point indicators like prolonged drought or unexpected precipitation shifts. Prepare by integrating climate adaptation strategies, such as securing supply chain redundancies, assessing facilities' climate vulnerabilities, and investing in green infrastructure to mitigate future risks.
3. Societal and/or political polarization // Societal // Realised
What the report said
Ranked third by 46% of respondents, this risk is interconnected with other risks, acting both as a driver and consequence of many of them. The report points to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine as factors that have created fertile ground for misinformation and the polarization of communities, societies, and countries.
Sources
In summary
Social and political polarization has continued to be a significant issue in many countries throughout 2024. This is evident in the increasing divisiveness of public discourse, the rise of extremist groups, and the erosion of trust in institutions.
The spread of AI-generated disinformation has exacerbated societal and political divides. In the U.S., such disinformation has heightened fears of unrest surrounding elections. Globally, the misuse of AI in spreading false information has deepened societal rifts.
The spread of false information has polarized societies and undermined trust in institutions. With further significant elections approaching, this risk has been particularly concerning, leading to increased societal unrest.
Deepening divisions within societies, driven by political, economic, and cultural factors, have led to increased civil unrest and weakened social cohesion. This polarization has complicated governance and collective action on global challenges.
Our take
In 2025, watch for triggers like contentious elections, economic inequality, and divisive media narratives as indicators of potential unrest. Business leaders should prioritize scenario planning for disruptions, engage in community-building initiatives, and foster transparent communication to maintain organisational resilience amid heightened societal divisions.
4. Cyber insecurity // Technological // Realised
What the report said
The Global Risks Report identifies cyber insecurity as a persistent and evolving threat, ranking fourth in the two-year outlook and eighth over the next decade. Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with criminal organizations adopting hybrid digital and physical tactics, raising concerns for individuals and businesses. The report warns that as defenses improve, attackers may target less secure individuals and organisations, with cybercrime spreading to regions like Asia, Latin America, and Africa due to rising affluence and connectivity. As technology advances, cyber insecurity remains a critical risk with significant implications for global stability.
Sources
In summary
The past year has seen a continuation of cyber threats, with incidents like the MOVEit breach highlighting vulnerabilities. Experts advise that relying solely on technical defenses is insufficient, emphasizing the need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies. Cyberattacks have continued to be a major threat in 2024, with numerous high-profile incidents reported, including ransomware attacks, data breaches, and state-sponsored cyber espionage.
AI surged and rapid advancements in AI technology has been transforming various sectors, including the widespread adoption of self-driving cars and sophisticated conversational models. While these innovations offer significant benefits, they also raise ethical concerns and potential job displacement issues as well as significant increase in cyber threats - like what Amazon is seeing 1 billion times a day.
Our take
Cyber insecurity remains a top threat, with AI advancements amplifying attack sophistication and scale. In 2025, watch for emerging AI-driven cyber threats, particularly targeting less secure regions and critical infrastructure. Business leaders should prioritize comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, combining advanced AI detection tools with employee education, supply chain risk assessments, and incident response planning to stay ahead of evolving threats.
5. Interstate armed conflict // Geopolitcal // Realised
What the report said
The report emphasizes potential for rapid escalation and significant consequences. Key hotspots like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan pose risks of broader conflict due to vested major power interests. The report highlights factors like shifting alliances, a multipolar world, and increasing interventions in intrastate conflicts as drivers of instability, with the potential to spark humanitarian crises and destabilize global order.
Sources
In summary
Ongoing conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East, have posed risks of escalation and broader regional instability. These conflicts have disrupted global supply chains and exacerbated humanitarian crises. In 2023, similar geopolitical tensions were present, affecting global stability.
Economic confrontations between major powers, including trade wars and sanctions, have led to market volatility and hindered global economic cooperation. These confrontations have also impacted technological development and access to resources.
Our take
Interstate armed conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, have disrupted global stability and supply chains, with risks of escalation persisting in 2025. Monitor geopolitical flashpoints like Taiwan and shifting alliances as potential triggers. Business leaders should assess exposure to affected regions, diversify supply chains, and stay informed on geopolitical developments to mitigate operational and financial risks.
6. Lack of economic opportunity // Societal // Minimal movement
What the report said
The WEF marked this a significant short- and long-term risk, driven by persistent poverty, inequality, and barriers to education and technology access. Economic downturns, inflation, and societal issues like polarization and human rights erosion exacerbate this challenge, while labor market disruptions and limited social mobility deepen inequalities. The report warns that developmental progress and living standards are at risk, with job market shifts potentially dividing economies and creating a "demographic dilemma" in developing regions without sufficient green and tech opportunities. Proactive measures are critical to prevent worsening global inequalities and instability.
Sources:
In summary
Economic disparities have persisted into 2024, with many regions experiencing limited access to employment and growth opportunities. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that global unemployment is expected to slightly decrease to 4.9% in 2024; however, significant disparities remain between high- and low-income countries, with higher unemployment and poverty rates in lower-income nations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on the global economy, causing a 3.4% decline in global GDP during 2020 and leading to ongoing economic uncertainties that continue to affect employment and growth opportunities worldwide.
Our take
Economic opportunity remains stagnant, with disparities persisting between developed and developing nations. In 2025, look for triggers like shifts in green and tech investment or labor market trends in developing regions. Business leaders should focus on inclusive hiring, upskilling programs, and leveraging green and tech opportunities to address workforce disparities and foster economic resilience.
7. Inflation / Cost-of-living crisis // Economic // Minimal movement
What the report said
The cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and economic downturn are key concerns over the next two years, with the report emphasizing persistent uncertainty in the global economy. Supply-side pressures from El Niño and potential conflict escalation could sustain inflation, while high interest rates are likely to strain small businesses and heavily indebted nations. Although interest rate cuts may be anticipated in 2024, ongoing disruptions to food, energy, and shipping could hinder economic recovery, potentially exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis. The report warns that these vulnerabilities could evolve into chronic global risks in the coming decade.
Sources
In summary
The cost-of-living crisis has persisted in many parts of the world in 2024, driven by factors such as inflation, rising energy prices, and the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine.
Persistent inflation and elevated interest rates have continued to strain household budgets worldwide, particularly affecting low- and middle-income populations. This ongoing crisis has exacerbated economic disparities and led to increased social unrest. In 2023, global inflation was 5.69%, a decline from 7.97% in 2022. In 2024, inflation has further decreased but remains above pre-pandemic levels.
The global economy has experienced a slowdown, with growth decelerating to 3.0% in 2024 from 3.5% in 2022. This deceleration poses challenges for productivity, financial stability, and debt management, especially in developing nations. Whilst this risk has technically decreased, the analysis on this slowdown suggests a neutral state as we go into 2025.
Our take
The cost-of-living crisis persists, with inflation and elevated interest rates straining global economies. In 2025, watch for triggers like shifts in energy prices, wage growth, and fiscal policies in developing nations. Business leaders should prioritise cost management, reassess pricing strategies, and explore workforce support programs to navigate prolonged economic pressures while maintaining stability.
8. Involuntary Migration // Societal // Realised
What the report said
Involuntary migration was ranked eighth in severity over a two-year outlook and seventh over ten years. This encompasses forced movements due to factors like discrimination, economic hardship, disasters, and conflicts. Climate change exacerbates these drivers, acting as a "threat multiplier" by increasing resource scarcity and extreme weather events, leading to further displacement. Involuntary migration is interconnected with other risks, such as lack of economic opportunity, armed conflicts, and societal polarization, creating a cycle that can result in humanitarian crises, political instability, and economic disruptions. The report emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies and international cooperation to address the root causes and mitigate the consequences of involuntary migration.
Sources
In summary
The United Nations reported that the number of forcibly displaced individuals reached a record 117.3 million by the end of 2023, with projections exceeding 120 million by April 2024. Conflicts, such as the war in Sudan and the situation in Gaza, have been major contributors.
Extreme weather events have intensified, leading to increased displacement. In 2022, 31.8 million people were displaced due to weather-related disasters, a trend that has continued into 2024.
Nations are grappling with managing migration flows. The U.S. has implemented measures to address migration challenges, while European countries are observing these developments closely, considering similar approaches.
Our take
Involuntary migration continues to rise, driven by conflicts and climate-induced displacement. In 2025, monitor regions experiencing prolonged conflicts or extreme weather events as triggers for further migration surges. Business leaders should assess workforce vulnerabilities, prepare for disruptions in supply chains linked to affected regions, and support resilience initiatives in communities impacted by migration pressures.
9. Economic downturn // Economic // Minimal movement
What the report said
While fears of a global recession have not materialized, the report highlights multiple sources of uncertainty in the global economic outlook, such as the economic slowdown in China, the potential for persistent inflation and high interest rates, and the risk of miscalibration by policymakers.
Sources
In summary
China's economy has exhibited signs of deceleration, with deflationary pressures persisting. Factory prices have declined year-over-year for 26 consecutive months, indicating entrenched deflation that could lead to reduced consumer spending and investment.
In response to economic challenges, China has adopted a "moderately loose" monetary policy stance for the first time in 14 years, aiming to counter deflation and stimulate growth. This policy shift reflects concerns over the country's economic trajectory.
Globally, inflation rates have been declining, leading central banks to ease monetary policies. The U.S. Federal Reserve, for instance, is expected to cut rates by 25 basis points, with investors seeking guidance on future rate cuts. However, rising bond yields pose challenges to equity valuations and could impact corporate borrowing costs.
The potential for policy miscalibration remains a concern. Aggressive monetary easing could inadvertently fuel asset bubbles or fail to address underlying economic weaknesses, while delayed policy responses might exacerbate economic slowdowns.
Our take
Economic downturn risks persist, driven by China’s slowdown and global policy uncertainties. In 2025, watch for triggers like shifts in monetary policies, deflationary trends in key economies, and rising bond yields. Business leaders should focus on flexible financial planning, monitoring global economic indicators, and diversifying markets to mitigate potential downturn impacts.
10. Pollution // Environmental // Realised
What the report said
Pollution was a significant global risk for 2024, ranking tenth in severity over the two-year outlook and eleventh over the ten-year outlook. It encompasses various forms, including air, soil, and water pollution, resulting from human activities such as industrial processes, transportation, agriculture, and waste disposal. The report highlights pollution's detrimental impacts on human health, ecosystems, and the global economy, noting its contribution to chronic health conditions and its potential role in exacerbating climate change. Interconnected with other risks like biodiversity loss, extreme weather events, and natural resource shortages, pollution necessitates effective control measures, sustainable practices, and international cooperation to mitigate its effects.
Sources
In summary
Delhi's severe air pollution persists despite novel mitigation efforts. Initiatives like large outdoor purifiers and drones have proven ineffective, leading to dangerously high air quality levels and significant health issues for residents.
Samples from UK rivers and lakes reveal harmful pollutants, including bacteria and genetic material capable of creating antibiotic-resistant superbugs. E. coli levels up to 20 times higher than safe limits were detected, posing risks to public health and wildlife.
Thousands protested in Skopje against severe air pollution, one of Europe's worst, attributed to around 3,500 annual premature deaths. Demonstrators demand stricter government regulations on traffic and industrial emissions.
The United Nations initiated negotiations for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty in 2022, involving over 170 countries. By 2024, plastic production had surged from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to about 400 million, with only 10 percent being recycled. The treaty aims to tackle the entire lifecycle of plastics, inspired by the successful mechanisms of the Montreal Protocol that addressed CFCs and ozone depletion.
Our take
Pollution remains a critical global issue, with ineffective mitigation efforts exacerbating health and environmental crises. In 2025, watch for triggers like rising urban air pollution levels, unregulated industrial emissions, and delays in implementing global treaties like the Plastics Treaty. Business leaders should prioritize sustainable practices, assess supply chain impacts from stricter environmental regulations, and invest in green technologies to align with evolving global standards.
***
Note: This analysis provides a general overview. The severity and impact of these risks vary significantly across regions and countries.
2025’s Report: Once the WEF 2025 report is released, our team will review this in detail. Expect a thorough analysis on how these risks will shape the year ahead once it’s released.
Additional resource worth reading:
2024 is the hottest year on record, EU scientists say, by Reuters.
Recession risk rises in Germany as factory output drops, by The Times.
The Japanese Yen Is Flashing A Major Warning To Global Markets, by Seeking Alpha.
2025, the year ahead: The year of Donald Trump
Come January 20th, we will see a presidency poised to reshape the nation's landscape; bold, unapologetic, transformative. Donald Trump's 2025 vision isn't just a policy roadmap, it's a reimagining of American potential.
Crime and security take centre stage, with aggressive strategies like expanded policing, stricter border controls, and a comprehensive deportation plan. Technology emerges as a strategic frontier. Trump's approach blends AI advancement with a radical rethinking of digital platforms like crypto, challenging current content moderation paradigms and positioning innovation as a national priority.
Economic policy reads like a manifesto of domestic reinvention. Proposed tariffs (up to 20% on imports, a striking 60% on Chinese goods) signal a dramatic shift towards American manufacturing renaissance.
This isn't merely a political transition. It's an ambitious recalibration of national direction, where every policy strand weaves a narrative of renewed American strength and self-determination. This is a presidency designed to challenge, disrupt, and fundamentally redefine America's global positioning.
Changes are coming to America through Trump’s next presidency. How these effect the rest of us is not clear, but changes are coming.
3 additional risks to watch out for in 2025
1. Bird flu
The 2024 avian influenza (bird flu) outbreak has had widespread impacts globally, affecting both poultry and wild bird populations. In the United States, 49 states have reported outbreaks, with over 122 million birds impacted. Additionally, dairy herds in 16 states have been affected. Across Europe, the virus has spread rapidly, with countries like Poland culling 1.8 million birds. The UK has implemented prevention zones in regions like Norfolk, Suffolk, and Yorkshire, while Canada has reported isolated cases, including a teenager in British Columbia contracting the virus. The virus's spread among poultry continues to raise concerns about food supply chains and ecological balance.
While human infections remain rare, concerns about mutations that could enable human-to-human transmission have prompted heightened surveillance. As of December 2024, the U.S. CDC reported 58 human cases, mostly among farmworkers. Health agencies advise avoiding contact with sick or dead birds, cooking poultry products thoroughly, and adhering to biosecurity protocols. The UK has proactively stockpiled over five million bird flu vaccines to mitigate potential human outbreaks.
The ecological and agricultural consequences are severe. Wild bird populations, including species in Scotland like guillemots and shearwaters, face extinction risks due to the virus's impact. Economically, the poultry industry is incurring substantial losses due to culling and trade restrictions. Efforts are ongoing globally to control the spread, but vigilance remains critical, especially during this season when migratory birds increase the likelihood of cross-border transmission.
Sources: Time / Reuters / Very Well Health
2. Continued tension in the Middle East as Iran flexes
Tensions between Iran, the United States, and its allies, particularly Israel, continue to escalate, driven by Iran’s nuclear ambitions, proxy warfare, and direct confrontations. Iran’s nuclear program, dating back to 1957, became contentious post-1979 and led to the 2015 JCPOA, which limited Iran’s capabilities. However, the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 reignited hostilities, with Iran resuming enrichment activities and supporting proxy groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis. In 2024, Iran’s direct attack on Israel, following Israeli airstrikes in Syria, marked a historic escalation, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict involving U.S. forces.
The implications for 2025 are severe, with risks of direct Iran-Israel warfare, expanded proxy attacks, and heightened U.S.-Iran confrontations. Iran’s advancing nuclear program could destabilize the region further, while its potential aggression in the Strait of Hormuz threatens global oil supplies. Additionally, the likelihood of cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and regional spillovers in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen remain high. Leaders must monitor missile activity, cyber threats, and maritime disruptions while prioritising contingency planning and international cooperation to mitigate these growing threats.
Sources: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace / Reuters / The Times / The Wall Street Journal / UN Reports on Iran and Regional Conflicts
3. AI reliance vs energy consumption
Access to basic artificial intelligence and LLMs are incredibly affordable with most provided at no cost to users. This is unlikely to last as energy requirements increase. For instance, Alex de Vries, a researcher at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, estimates that replacing every Google search with an LLM interaction could consume as much electricity as the entire country of Ireland. Additionally, training large models like GPT-3 can use up to 10 gigawatt-hours, roughly equivalent to the amount of electricity 1,000 U.S. homes use in a year.
Microsoft has entered into an agreement with Constellation Energy to reopen the Unit 1 reactor at the Three Mile Island nuclear facility in Pennsylvania. This partnership aims to provide Microsoft with a steady supply of carbon-free electricity to power its AI data centres. Google has partnered with Kairos Power to develop small modular nuclear reactors to provide up to 500 megawatts of clean energy for Google's AI operations. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is investing over $500 million in nuclear energy projects across the United States. Meta (formerly Facebook) is seeking proposals from nuclear power developers to support its AI and environmental goals. The company plans to add 1 to 4 gigawatts of new U.S. nuclear generation capacity by the early 2030s.
If the uptake of nuclear facilities is slow or none existent, we may see either an increase in AI costs, or overal energy costs borne by consumers.
New year resolutions
Here are our top resolutions with a lens on preparing for a new year of threats.
Resilience budgets
We’re biased, but over 2024 we have seen a couple of examples of organisations being impacted by a disruption that required double - sometimes triple - the costs in recovery a standard program would have got them. This is often a result of poor budgets (or none at all) in annual financial plans. A business continuity budget can seem like a sunk cost, but consider it a more reliable insurance package and get yourself a healthy one for FY25/26.
Invest in people, not just plans
Word docs are outdated. We’re now seeing fewer people refer to them during an event as well as exercises. Rather, they’re relying on technology or their own skill sets and training during response. This is an intrinsic value employees prefer during a crisis situation. In 2025, we can use this to our advantage and build, reward, and grow those skills in our people. Set aside engaging and rewarding training and exercise sessions at least every quarter in 2025.
Get a password management tool
Tools like LastPass and 1Password are simple, cost effective ways to create complex, unhackable passwords across all devices. Using a tool like this allows you to share passwords anonymously, monitor breaches in your emails, and quickly bulk update your entire list of logins within minutes. Why wouldn’t you use one?
Improve (or practice) better comms
Microsoft’s major outage due to a third party failure (Crowdstrike) proves it’s no longer acceptable to rely on tools like Teams to manage internal communications during a crisis. These tools are typically not created or reliable enough to be the central point of communication during an event, so decision makers should now look to explore software designed specifically for crisis and emergency events. In 2025, consider budgets and resource to champion new software to help communicate and monitor an event. We recommend F24, but you can also use ResilienceWEB to find more suppliers.
Improve capability
It’s no longer acceptable to leave all of your resilience IP with individuals. With increasing turnover and retirements expected over the next few years, we must standardise and create maintenance structures for our resilience programs. Conduct a quick review and audit in January on who oversees your business resilience, and how much of that is documented securely. You can improve both human and operational capability by documenting this now.
Tips on shutting down for the holidays
Simply putting on an out-of-office won’t cut it this holiday season. Therefore, we’ve compiled some steps you may not have considered. The Christmas period is a valuable period for hackers as IT teams are typically lower staffed and lean.
Who is on call? (Call trees)
If there is an outage or event, what is the chain of command to handle this and has a call tree been set up and tested?
Are your business continuity plans or crisis management team personnel trained and briefed for the shut-down period?
Weather-Related Risks
Monitor weather forecasts, especially if extreme weather is common in your region during December.
Confirm that power backup systems (e.g., generators) are functional in case of outages.
Secure outdoor equipment and ensure buildings are storm-ready.
Supply Chain & Vendor Management
Confirm holiday schedules and availability of critical suppliers and vendors.
Stock up on essential supplies to avoid disruptions when reopening.
Identify alternate suppliers in case of sudden issues with your primary vendors.
Physical Security of Premises
Verify that security alarms, surveillance cameras, and access control systems are operational.
Limit access to offices and facilities to authorized personnel only during the closure period.
Notify local authorities or security services of the closure period and ensure they have emergency contact details.
Remote Access & System Resilience
Test remote access systems to ensure critical employees can access tools and systems from home.
Back up all critical data and verify that backup systems are functioning correctly.
Ensure redundancy for key systems and processes, such as email, file sharing, and communication platforms.
Cybersecurity Vigilance
Ensure all staff are aware of increased phishing and ransomware threats during the holidays.
Perform a security audit of systems, including endpoint devices, to confirm all patches and updates are applied.
Set up alerts for unusual login attempts or transactions.
Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for critical systems if not already in place.
A message from Brad & Ollie
Happy holidays to you all. Until next time, stay curious, stay informed, stay safe.
✌️ Ollie, Brad, Martin & the team at Unbreakable Ventures.
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