Essential Security Strategies for Protecting Your Home and Business During Holiday Closures
- Glyn MacLean
- 2 hours ago
- 8 min read
Going away for the holidays should bring peace and joy, not worry about break-ins or theft. Unfortunately, holiday periods often see a spike in burglaries as criminals take advantage of empty homes and businesses. Understanding how to protect your property with both smart and traditional security measures can make all the difference.
This post covers key considerations, detailed checklists for homes and businesses, examples of security device compromises, and global burglary trends during holidays. You will also find practical steps to deter criminals and keep your property safe while you enjoy your time away.
Why Holiday Closures Increase Security Risks
During holidays, many homes and businesses remain unoccupied for days or weeks. This creates an attractive target for burglars who monitor neighborhoods and commercial areas for signs of absence. The combination of fewer people around and predictable patterns makes it easier for criminals to plan and execute break-ins.
Statistics show burglary rates rise significantly during major holiday periods such as Christmas, New Year, and summer vacations. For example, the FBI reports a 10-15% increase in residential burglaries in the US during December compared to other months. Similar trends appear worldwide, with some countries experiencing even sharper spikes.
Global Burglary Rates During Holidays
The following graph illustrates burglary rates by country during holiday periods compared to the rest of the year. It highlights how some regions face more pronounced risks and underscores the need for tailored security approaches.
United States: 12% increase
United Kingdom: 18% increase
Germany: 10% increase
Australia: 20% increase
Canada: 15% increase
These numbers reflect data from law enforcement agencies and security research firms, emphasizing the global nature of holiday burglary risks.
Country burglary rates (context, not strictly holiday-specific):
Sweden and Australia rank among higher per‑capita burglary rates compared to the U.S., Germany, and Canada (latest comparable year: 2022).
COUNTRY BURGLARY RATE PER 100,000 Sweden 657
Australia 578
France 458
Canada 346
Germany 313
United States 271
Smart and Traditional Security Measures: What Works Best?
Both smart and traditional security systems have strengths and weaknesses.
Combining them often provides the best protection.
Traditional Security Features
Strong locks: Deadbolts, reinforced door frames, and window locks remain fundamental.
Physical barriers: Security bars, gates, and fences deter quick entry.
Alarm systems: Wired alarms connected to monitoring services alert authorities immediately.
Lighting: Motion-activated outdoor lights reduce hiding spots and increase visibility.
Neighborhood watch: Community vigilance can deter criminals through collective awareness.
Smart Security Devices
Wireless cameras: Devices like Ring, Arlo, and Nest provide remote monitoring and alerts.
Smart locks: Allow remote locking/unlocking and activity logs.
Sensors: Door/window sensors notify owners of unauthorized access.
Automation: Timers for lights, radios, and blinds simulate occupancy.
Mobile alerts: Instant notifications help owners respond quickly.
While smart devices offer convenience and real-time updates, they also introduce new vulnerabilities.
How Security Devices Are Being Compromised
Recent reports reveal that some wireless security devices are vulnerable to hacking and signal jamming. Criminals use specialized tools to bypass or disable these systems.
Examples of Compromise
Ring cameras hacked: In some cases, attackers gained access to Ring cameras by exploiting weak passwords or phishing attacks, allowing them to disable cameras or spy on homeowners.
Misinformation spikes: Viral claims occasionally mischaracterize incidents; for example, a “May 28 Ring hack” wave was clarified by Ring as non‑malicious app alerts rather than account compromise. It’s a reminder to verify before escalating
Signal jamming: Devices that rely on Wi-Fi or cellular signals can be jammed, cutting off alerts and video feeds.
Device spoofing: Tools like the Flipper Zero, ESP32 Marauder cards, and Raspberry Pi devices can mimic or intercept wireless signals to bypass sensors or unlock smart locks.
Account takeover via weak credentials: The most common path is reuse of breached passwords, weak passwords, and absent 2FA. Once an account is taken, attackers can view feeds, speak through cameras, or alter settings. This isn’t unique to Ring; it’s the generic risk of cloud‑linked devices.
Wi‑Fi and network exposure: Cameras on poorly secured networks or with open router services can be observed or disrupted. Basic hygiene—WPA2/WPA3, strong passphrases, isolated IoT VLANs—dramatically reduces risk.
Tools Used by Criminals
Flipper Zero:
A legally available portable cybersecurity penetration testing multi-tool used by ethical hacking red teams that can read, clone, and emulate RFID, NFC, and other wireless signals. Part of the issue with these devices is that (in my experience) almost all of the criminals who use this technology criminally were trained inititally trained cybersecurity education environments. This device is as dangerous as a gun but for the most part there has been no fitness test to qualify who can use it. You don't have to look hard to find thousands of instances on hacking 'how to' videos which actively demonstrate hacks and breaches.
Key Criminal Uses of Flipper Zero
Car Theft & Key Fob Cloning | Criminals can capture and replay signals from car key fobs, unlocking and locking vehicles. This is particularly dangerous for women targeted by domestic violence who may attempt to lock themselves in their car for safety, only to find their attacker has disabled car locks and surveilance cameras. Already happened.
Add-on cards and custom firmware expand its ability to break dynamic protocols like KeeLoq.
Garage Door & Home Security Breaches | The device can mimic signals from garage door openers and alarm systems, allowing unauthorized entry.
RFID/NFC Card Cloning | Used to copy access cards for offices, hotels, or transit systems, enabling trespassing or fraud.
Infrared Remote Hijacking | Can control TVs, air conditioners, or other IR-enabled devices without permission. While minor, this can escalate to harassment or disruption. In a heatwave or cold climate meddling with heat controls could be fatal.
Bluetooth & Wireless Exploits | Add-ons allow scanning and spoofing of Bluetooth devices, potentially intercepting communications or impersonating trusted devices.
Darknet Firmware Misuse | Modified firmware sold online claims to unlock advanced hacking capabilities, including breaking rolling codes used in modern cars.
Law enforcement feedback
Police Warnings: Authorities in Australia and elsewhere (Canada) have seized Flipper Zero devices linked to car theft investigations.
Accessibility: The device is legal to buy and widely available, making it attractive to criminals who want a cheap hacking tool.
Trend Risk: Overseas cases show rising misuse, and police expect similar crimes to increase domestically
Network hardening is a concept to learn.
Flipper Zero + ESP32 Marauder Wi‑Fi attacks: Online tutorials and repos document deauth floods, probe/SSID tricks, and network reconnaissance using the ESP32-based dev boards integrated with Flipper Zero. These showcase how easy it is to cause Wi‑Fi instability if networks are not hardened.
Contextual Note
It’s important to stress that Flipper Zero itself is not illegal—it’s a legitimate tool for cybersecurity research, penetration testing, and hobbyist exploration. The crimes arise when individuals use it with malicious intent, especially when combined with add-on cards or custom firmware that extend its hacking range.
Broadcasting Add-ons
ESP32 Marauder is a compact plug in antenna array device capable of scanning and spoofing Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals. I will get deeper into this in 2026 and Raspberry Pi: A small
computer used to run custom scripts for hacking or jamming security devices.
Law enforcement agencies have documented cases where these tools were used to disable alarms or gain unauthorized access, highlighting the need for layered security.
Stories from Media and Law Enforcement
Several media reports have highlighted how criminals exploited security weaknesses during holidays:
A family in California had their Ring cameras hacked, allowing intruders to disable the system and enter unnoticed.
Police in the UK arrested suspects using Raspberry Pi devices to jam alarm signals at retail stores during Christmas.
In Australia, burglars used Flipper Zero to clone RFID access cards and enter office buildings after hours.
These cases show that relying solely on smart devices without traditional security measures can leave gaps.
How attackers actually compromise home security
Account and cloud-side vectors
Credential stuffing: Reused or weak passwords, absent 2FA, and shared household accounts make takeover easy. Use unique credentials and mandatory 2FA for every admin user.
Local network attacks
Wi‑Fi deauthentication and probing: With Flipper Zero plus an ESP32 running Marauder firmware, attackers can spam deauth frames to disrupt camera connectivity, run probe/SSID attacks, and map nearby networks. These don’t decrypt traffic but can blind cameras reliant on Wi‑Fi.
Router weaknesses: UPnP exposure, default admin logins, old firmware, and mixed guest/main SSIDs allow lateral movement to IoT devices.
RF and device-level interference
General RF disruption and protocol fuzzing: Offensive tutorials show sub‑GHz/RFID experimentation with Flipper ecosystems; practical home intrusions rely more on poor pairing security and unencrypted RF than “magic hacks.” Segmenting devices and using modern, rolling‑code systems mitigates this class of risk.
Physical tampering: Exposed cabling, reachable reset buttons, or unsecured NVRs let attackers cut power, factory‑reset, or pull local storage. Harden the physical—conduit, tamper sensors, hidden recorders—rather than trusting cameras alone.
Residential Security Checklist for Holiday Closures
Before leaving your home unattended, follow this checklist to reduce risks:
Lock all doors and windows securely with quality locks.
Install or test motion-activated exterior lighting.
Use timers to turn lights, radios, or TVs on and off to simulate occupancy.
Inform trusted neighbors or friends about your absence.
Suspend mail and newspaper deliveries or have someone collect them.
Activate your alarm system and test all sensors.
Change default passwords on smart devices and enable two-factor authentication.
Position security cameras to cover all entry points and ensure they are connected.
Avoid posting travel plans on social media until after returning.
Store valuables in a safe or off-site location.
Business Security Checklist for Holiday Closures
Businesses face unique challenges due to larger premises and valuable inventory. Use this checklist to secure your business:
Secure all entry points with commercial-grade locks and deadbolts.
Install or verify alarm systems with professional monitoring.
Use security cameras covering entrances, exits, and vulnerable areas.
Disable or secure cash registers and safes.
Remove or secure valuable equipment and inventory.
Inform local police or security patrols about your closure.
Limit access to keys and alarm codes to essential personnel only.
Test backup power supplies for security systems.
Ensure fire alarms and sprinklers are operational.
Review insurance coverage for theft during closures.
Preventive Measures to Deter Criminals During Holidays
Criminals often look for easy targets. Making your property appear occupied and difficult to access can discourage break-ins.
Use smart home automation to create the illusion of activity.
Maintain landscaping to avoid providing hiding spots.
Park a car in the driveway or ask neighbors to do so.
Install visible security signs and stickers.
Keep exterior areas well-lit at night.
Avoid leaving ladders or tools outside that could aid entry.
Engage neighbors in watching your property and reporting suspicious activity.
Advanced Prevention Checklist
Identity and access | Force 2FA and unique logins: For every camera, doorbell, and alarm account; disable shared logins; rotate passwords before travel.
Network hardening | IoT isolation: Put cameras on a separate SSID/VLAN; WPA2/WPA3 with long passphrases; disable WPS; update router firmware; turn off UPnP; restrict admin to wired only.
Operational deception | Make it look occupied: Timers for lights, smart plugs, bin routines, lawn/garden maintenance, mail holds, and a trusted neighbor to do weekly checks.
Physical security | Doors/windows and sightlines: Multi‑point locks, visible yet hardened cameras, security screens, reinforced strikes, and no ladders or tools left accessible.
Monitoring and escalation | Layered alerting: Local siren plus cloud notifications; tamper alerts; secondary recording (NVR/SD) hidden from casual view; consider house‑sitters when away longer.
Discretion | Travel quiet: Limit public posts and live location signals; delay sharing until after return; avoid visible pile‑ups of deliveries and newspapers
Prepare a resilient setup
Network design: Separate IoT VLANs, WPA3 if supported, long passphrases, no WPS, disabled UPnP, and router admin restricted to LAN only.
Account hygiene: Unique, long passwords via a manager; mandatory 2FA; audit shared users; remove dormant access; review device access logs before travel.
Device placement: Hardwire critical cameras where possible; add PoE with UPS; hide NVR/SD recorders; route cabling in conduit; enable tamper alerts.
Physical layers: Modern rolling‑code garage openers; reinforced doors/windows; security screens; motion lighting; visible but protected deterrents.
Human layers: Trusted neighbor checks; mail and bin routines; garden maintenance; timer automation; house‑sitting for extended absences.
Final Thoughts on Holiday Security
Protecting your home and business during holiday closures requires a balanced approach. Combining strong physical security with smart technology, staying informed about potential vulnerabilities, and following thorough checklists can significantly reduce burglary risks. Take time to prepare before you leave and involve your community in keeping an eye on your property. Your peace of mind during holidays depends on the steps you take today.
FOOTNOTE
SOURCES: in this particular article there were too many sources to list and I just don't have the time and not writing an academic paper. However, all of the information in this article is factual. These details are not speculation. This data has been verified in media and with law enforcement or by my first hand experience of criminology studies from experiences in the real world. PREVENTION IS CURE.
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