Firms urged to tighten office security before Christmas

Businesses that shut down over Christmas are being urged to carry out more detailed security checks before staff leave for the festive break, amid concerns that basic measures are often overlooked.

Adam Bennett, from security specialist Digital ID, said many organisations focus on obvious actions such as locking doors and windows, but fail to address less visible risks around access control, electrical equipment and asset tracking.

"Most businesses focus on locking doors and windows when closing for Christmas, but there are several less obvious checks that get missed. A structured checklist ensures nothing gets missed during the excitement of finishing work before Christmas.

"Assign specific responsibilities to team members for different areas of the building to make the process more manageable. Taking just fifteen minutes to complete these checks before leaving for Christmas provides peace of mind, and it's always better to prevent than have to deal with the consequences after," said Bennett, Security Expert, Digital ID.

Many offices operate with reduced staffing and monitoring over the Christmas and New Year period. Industry specialists say that creates a window of vulnerability for premises, equipment and data if companies do not prepare in advance.

Access control

Digital ID highlights staff access permissions and ID badge management as one of the most frequently neglected areas. The company said that former employees, contractors and temporary workers may still retain active access to buildings if badges and permissions are not reviewed regularly.

Security teams often treat access reviews as routine administration rather than a seasonal priority. The Christmas shutdown means that fewer people are present to notice unusual activity, which can increase the impact of any unauthorised entry.

Bennett recommends that organisations use the end of the year as a fixed point for an access audit. This includes checking that only current staff have active badges, that access levels match current roles, and that temporary permissions granted for projects or maintenance work have been revoked.

Carrying out this review before offices close reduces the chance of dormant badges remaining in circulation. It can also cut the volume of access requests and corrections that often accumulate in early January when employees return.

Emergency contacts

Digital ID is also advising firms to confirm that security providers and on-site teams hold current emergency contact details for key staff. Many companies change personnel or restructure teams during the year. Security contact lists can become out of date if no one takes ownership of updates.

The recommended checks include verifying who should be contacted in the event of alarms, break-ins, maintenance issues or weather-related incidents. It also includes confirming that nominated individuals have the keys, fobs or codes required to enter all relevant areas if they are called out.

Clear and accurate information allows faster responses when buildings are empty for extended periods. Delays in reaching the right person can increase the risk of damage if a problem goes unresolved for several hours.

Electrical risks

Fire services and insurers have reported spikes in office incidents around festive breaks in previous years. Electrical faults are often cited as a contributing factor.

Digital ID said many workers leave computers, printers and other devices in standby mode when they finish for Christmas. Equipment that remains plugged in continues to draw power and can generate heat.

The company advises businesses to switch off and unplug non-essential equipment before leaving. This includes desktop computers, monitors, printers, chargers and small appliances that are not required for critical operations.

Unplugging devices can cut unnecessary energy use during the holiday period. It can also reduce potential fire risks by limiting the number of live electrical items left unattended for long stretches.

Lighting checks

Another area under review is outdoor lighting. Digital ID said that well-maintained external security lighting acts as a visible deterrent when premises stand empty.

Businesses are being encouraged to check that all perimeter, entrance, car park and loading bay lights work properly before closing. Timers and motion sensors also require testing so that they activate at appropriate times during the shorter winter days.

Poorly lit or darkened areas can create the impression that a site is unmonitored. That can increase the likelihood of opportunistic intrusions during the festive shutdown.

Asset tracking

Digital ID also points to the importance of asset checks. Many organisations maintain inventories of valuable equipment, vehicles, keys and devices that are spread across offices and storage areas.

The company said the Christmas break offers a practical moment to confirm that all critical assets are present and stored securely. This includes reconciling physical items with asset registers and ensuring that keys and high-value devices are locked away.

Some businesses use asset tracking systems that provide remote visibility of movement. These tools can highlight unexpected activity involving equipment during shutdown periods.

Digital ID said that accurate logs and secure storage make any post-incident investigation more straightforward if theft or loss occurs.

With many workplaces set to close for more than a week over Christmas and New Year, Bennett said a short, structured checklist now can reduce the likelihood of security issues emerging while offices stand empty.