Press Room
The end of year holiday season: Prosegur analyzes main security risks
Among the end-of-year holiday season security challenges Prosegur identifies in its latest report are crowd management, cyber-attacks and geopolitical challenges, all underscoring the importance of integrated security strategies.
Madrid, December 20, 2023. This time of year is characterized by the movement of millions of people on the roads and in city centers, presenting unique security challenges. The holiday season, while driving the global economy through increased spending, also exposes businesses and consumers to a range of risks in a globalized and technologically dependent environment.
Furthermore, in the context of the current geopolitical instability, the spread of organized crime such as fraud and illicit trafficking makes it essential to adopt a systemic risk approach in order to mitigate any cascade effect. With this in mind, Prosegur has released a report detailing the main risks of the holiday season.
Physical and Environmental Security
- Crowd management: The increased number of people attending events and gathering in public spaces heightens the risk of incidents, for example at New Year's Eve parties and Christmas lights.
- Theft and robbery: Increased activity can lead to an increase in property crime, including robberies and burglaries, as well as opportunistic crime.
- Terrorist attacks: Crowded places may be targeted during the holidays.
- Extreme weather events: Snow and rain can cause significant damage and delays.
- Fraud and scams: Especially in returns and online purchases.
- Unknown loss: Includes internal theft, external theft and administrative errors.
Technological Security
- Digitalization: Increased risk of cyber-attacks and digital fraud during Christmas.
- Phishing and CEO fraud: Tricking employees to gain illegitimate access to systems and funds.
- Ransomware: Malware that restricts access to systems or data until a ransom is paid.
- Denial of service: Attacks that seek to disable systems and networks.
Sociopolitical and Economic Security
- Geoeconomics and international interdependence: The dynamics between economic policies and international relations can cause instability in supply chains.
- Supply chain: Geopolitical conflicts and natural disasters can disrupt supply chains, affecting availability and costs.
- Rising prices and interest rates: Inflation and changes in monetary policies can impact consumption.
- Labor unrest: Strikes and disputes can cause disruptions, and it is common for the Christmas season, when shopping increases, to be used as an opportunity to call stoppages or sectoral strikes (airports, stores, etc.).
- Social activism: Boycotts and demonstrations can affect corporate reputation.
Given the complexity and interconnectedness of these multiple risks, Prosegur concludes that it is essential for organizations to adopt a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to security management during the end-of-year holiday season. Implementing proactive strategies, cross-sector collaboration and the use of advanced technologies are the key to mitigating these risks, ensuring a safe and prosperous festive season for businesses and consumers.