cybersecurity

Election Season Cyber Threats: How Irish SMEs Can Stay One Step Ahead

Election season brings more than just political debates and campaign posters—it’s also a time when cybercriminals up their game. While much of the focus is on protecting government systems and individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are equally at risk. Why? Because SMEs are often part of the broader digital ecosystem, and a breach in one area can have ripple effects.

Whether it’s protecting your sensitive customer data, ensuring your online reputation stays intact, or guarding against downtime, SMEs in Ireland need to be especially vigilant during election periods. Here’s what you need to know and how to safeguard your business.

Why SMEs Are at Real Risk During Elections

Unlike governments, which often have significant cybersecurity defences, SMEs are perceived as softer targets. Cybercriminals don’t just attack for the fun of it; they aim for disruption, data theft, and financial gain.

Here are some of the real threats SMEs face during election periods:

Collateral Damage from Targeted Attacks on Election Infrastructure

Cybercriminals targeting election systems don’t just go after government websites. They often target third-party suppliers, IT providers, or even businesses perceived to have weak security as a backdoor into more valuable systems.

For example:

If your SME provides IT services, communications support, or software used by local councils or election officials, a breach could put critical systems at risk.
Even SMEs unrelated to the election could experience collateral damage if they share cloud services or data storage with targeted organisations.

Ransomware: Holding Your Business Hostage

Election periods often see a spike in ransomware attacks. These attacks don’t discriminate—cybercriminals see SMEs as lucrative targets because downtime can quickly cripple smaller businesses.

How it happens:

Hackers gain access to your systems via phishing emails or unpatched software, encrypt your data, and demand payment to restore access.
Election-related chaos provides cover for such attacks, with SMEs less likely to draw public attention if hit.

Misinformation and Reputation Risks

While misinformation campaigns are often aimed at swaying public opinion, businesses can get caught in the crossfire. Your SME’s brand could be impersonated, or worse, you could be mistakenly linked to false information circulating online.

Real-world risks:

Cybercriminals create fake social media accounts or websites mimicking your business to spread misinformation or conduct scams.
A misstep in sharing unverified election-related content could damage your credibility and trust with customers.

Fraudulent Government Communications

Cybercriminals know SMEs deal with government entities, so it’s common for scams to appear during elections. Fake emails or calls pretending to be from Revenue or other official bodies can lead SMEs to share sensitive information or pay fraudulent fees.

Examples include:

Fraudulent emails asking for updated tax details due to “election-related changes” in compliance.
Phishing campaigns masquerading as government grant schemes to support “election initiatives.”

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

If your business works with larger organisations, cybercriminals may target you as a way into your partners’ systems. This can make your SME an unintended but critical link in a larger attack.

How to Protect Your SME

Conduct a Cybersecurity Audit

A cybersecurity audit is the most effective way to identify and address vulnerabilities in your business’s digital infrastructure. Election periods are an ideal time to ensure your defences are up to scratch.

Why an audit matters:

It uncovers risks you might not know exist, such as outdated software or unsecured data.
Ensures compliance with GDPR and other regulatory requirements, particularly if you handle customer data.

At Eggers Cybersecurity, we specialise in cybersecurity audits for Irish SMEs, helping businesses like yours stay secure against evolving threats.

Stay Ahead of Ransomware Threats

Ransomware attacks can cripple an SME, but they are preventable with the right measures in place.

Steps to protect your business:

Back up your data regularly and store backups offline or in a secure cloud.
Keep all software and operating systems updated to ensure you have the latest security patches.
Use robust antivirus and endpoint protection tools to detect and block threats early.

Train Your Team

Your employees are your first line of defence. A single click on a malicious link can lead to a breach.

Effective training includes:

Recognising phishing emails and suspicious links.
Verifying all unusual requests, especially those involving payments or sensitive information.
Encouraging employees to report potential threats immediately rather than trying to “fix” things themselves.

Secure Your Business’ Online Reputation

Your SME’s reputation is critical to your success, and cybercriminals know this.

How to protect it:

Monitor your social media and online presence regularly for impersonations or suspicious activity.
Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication on all business accounts.
Respond promptly to customer concerns about fake accounts or misinformation linked to your business.

Verify Government Communications

Election periods are a prime time for scammers to impersonate government bodies. Be extra cautious about any unexpected communications.

What to do:

Verify emails, calls, or texts claiming to be from official bodies by contacting them directly via official channels.
Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments in unsolicited messages.
Educate your team to follow the same precautions.

Why Cybersecurity Matters More During Elections

For SMEs, election periods aren’t just about staying out of the fray—they’re about actively protecting your business. Cyber threats during elections are often opportunistic, targeting SMEs because of perceived weaknesses. By taking proactive steps like conducting a cybersecurity audit, training your staff, and securing your systems, you can safeguard your business, customers, and reputation.

Need Help Protecting Your Business?

At Eggers Cybersecurity, we specialise in helping Irish SMEs secure their systems against cyber threats. Whether it’s a cybersecurity audit, managed security services, or training for your team, we’ve got you covered.

Visit www.eggers.ie to learn more, or click here to schedule a free consultation.

Your business deserves the best protection—election season or not.