A recent global study, covered by SecurityBrief, reveals a troubling pattern: ransomware attacks disproportionately occur during holidays, weekends, and significant business events — precisely when organisations are most vulnerable. SecurityBrief UK
Here are some key findings:
52% of reported ransomware incidents happened on weekends or public holidays.
During those times, many organisations reduce their Security Operations Center (SOC) staffing. In fact, 78% scale back at least half, and 6% report having no SOC coverage outside regular business hours.
Attackers also target major corporate events — 60% of attacks in the study occurred following big organisational shifts like mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, or layoffs.
In particular, over half of those attacks followed a merger or acquisition, when internal governance can be in flux.
These data points make one thing clear: cybercriminal groups are strategic. They strike not just when staffing is down — they actively monitor corporate timelines and exploit windows of disruption.
Why are attackers so drawn to these moments? Several reasons:
Lower vigilance — when firms cut SOC coverage for holidays or weekends, alert response slows.
Distraction during big events — things like mergers, layoffs, or IPOs create internal noise, making it easier for malicious actors to hide in plain sight.
Identity systems as a weak point — the study also looked at identity threat detection (ITDR). While 90% of organisations surveyed had plans to detect identity system vulnerabilities, only 45% included remediation, and just 63% automated identity recovery.
As Chris Inglis, Strategic Advisor at Semperis, put it:
“Threat actors continue to take advantage of reduced cybersecurity staffing on holidays and weekends … vigilance during these times is more critical than ever.”
If your security model relies mainly on detection and response, this data should set off alarm bells. Here’s why traditional approaches may fall short:
Delayed detection is more likely when staff are fewer, meaning attackers can dwell longer.
Response capabilities weaken when teams are shorthanded or stretched thin.
Even well-architected identity threat detection plans may fail without automated remediation or recovery, leaving gaps that attackers exploit.
Simply put, you can’t always count on being ready when your systems are most exposed.
This is where a proactive, preventive security model comes in — one focused on “isolation and containment” rather than reacting after the fact.
Enter AppGuard.
Here’s how AppGuard helps:
Proven track record: AppGuard has a 10-year history of stopping advanced threats at the endpoint — including zero-day exploits, ransomware, and fileless attacks.
Preventive protection: Instead of waiting to detect malicious behavior, AppGuard isolates applications and processes, stopping harmful code before it can execute or spread.
Minimal reliance on human responders: Since AppGuard blocks attacks at their source, it reduces the burden on SOC teams — especially during low-staff periods like holidays or major business events.
Lightweight and compatible: AppGuard works alongside existing security tools without slowing operations, making it a practical addition rather than a disruptive overhaul.
By shifting to a containment-first strategy, organisations can plug the very gaps that attackers are exploiting.
Reassess your risk profile: Do you scale back security coverage during high-risk times like holidays or corporate events?
Rethink your security strategy: Move from a purely “detect and respond” model to one that includes “isolate and contain.”
Consider a proven endpoint solution: AppGuard offers a decade of real-world success and can help close the window attackers favor.
Ensure continuous protection: Even if your SOC is offline or understaffed, preventive containment protects your systems around the clock.
At CHIPS, we believe the data from this study is a wake-up call. Ransomware groups are deliberately targeting your weakest moments — and if you're not protected, the impact can be devastating.
We can help you:
Implement AppGuard to isolate and contain threats before they cause damage
Build resilience into your security posture — not just reactive threat detection
Free your SOC team from constant firefighting, especially during high-risk periods
Don’t wait for a holiday or business upheaval to expose your organisation. Talk with us at CHIPS today and find out how AppGuard can keep you safe — even when the rest of the world is off duty.
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