As shoppers gear up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, snagging deals is at the top of their lists. But for IT professionals, these days mark a different kind of peak season—one where keeping systems secure against a flood of cyber threats becomes mission-critical. “I always feel for the IT professionals,” reflects Don Boxley, CEO and Co-Founder of DH2i. "Cyber-criminals become increasingly aggressive and sophisticated, and the responsibility to safeguard data during the holiday rush is a high-stakes challenge."
While VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) were once the go-to for secure online connections, Boxley warns they’re no longer the safety net they once were. “VPNs have some serious flaws—they don’t protect anonymity, won’t stop malware or phishing, and often act as an access point for hackers,” he explains. During high-traffic shopping events, VPN vulnerabilities can give attackers a perfect entry point. The solution, Boxley says, is Software-Defined Perimeters (SDP): “SDP is like a super-smart security guard who trusts no one. Every single time, it does a full background check. It’s like a bouncer who checks every ID and even shoes before letting anyone into the club.”
SDPs create virtual barriers within networks, allowing businesses to set specific access rules and monitor every interaction. “With SDP, businesses can breathe easier knowing data isn’t just ‘VPN secure’ but truly locked down,” Boxley notes, emphasizing the advantages of granular control during critical periods like Black Friday.
On the other side of the security coin, PDFs have become essential tools for retailers, enabling everything from seamless promotions to accessible order summaries. According to DeeDee Kato, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at Foxit, these "unsung heroes" ensure consistency and efficiency in customer communications. “From product catalogs and digital coupons to receipts and return policies, PDFs are the backbone of a well-orchestrated customer experience on Black Friday and Cyber Monday,” she says.
Yet, as convenient as they are, PDFs come with their own set of security risks. Kato stresses that businesses must use PDF solutions with built-in security features like encryption and password protection to prevent phishing and fraud. “Especially during high-stress shopping moments, PDFs can become a doorway for cyber threats,” she cautions. “Retailers need to secure not only their customers’ personal information but their employees’ as well.”
To further optimize the PDF experience, Kato recommends choosing solutions that allow for faster downloads without compromising quality. “Retailers must compress promotions, gift guides, and order summaries for fast viewing on any device,” she says. Clear filenames and logical organization within PDFs can enhance the customer journey, helping shoppers quickly find coupons or order details when they need them most.
In an era of digital threats, these experts agree that security goes beyond firewalls. It’s about adopting intelligent, adaptable solutions that handle high-traffic demands without exposing vulnerabilities. Boxley’s and Kato’s insights provide a blueprint for any retailer or e-tailer ready to make this Black Friday and Cyber Monday not only profitable but secure and customer-centric.
As Boxley puts it, “The holiday shopping chaos doesn’t have to be a hacker’s playground. With the right tools, businesses can lock down their data and deliver a safe experience for everyone involved."