As technology rapidly progresses, awareness must also grow along with proactive steps taken to secure sensitive data.
Cybersecurity may appear daunting for the average person. But cybersecurity should not just be left up to IT; all employees can do their part to safeguard the data of their organization as well as themselves. They should protect both themselves and any relevant third parties when possible.
October is Cybersecurity Month and serves as an excellent reminder that there are numerous methods available for safeguarding data. Even simple measures will have a major effect on network security.
What Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSM)?
Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness month is an international campaign designed to heighten cybersecurity education and awareness among individuals and organizations worldwide. Through knowledge-sharing events and resources shared at these gatherings, CAM helps individuals bolster their defenses against online threats while building stronger online identities for everyone involved.
CAM first emerged as an American initiative known as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month; quickly evolving into an international movement overseen by two agencies:
- National Cyber Security Alliance
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of Florida.
This collaboration brings together multiple stakeholders - government agencies, industry leaders and cybersecurity specialists alike. Their aim is to increase awareness about cyber risks and best practices while increasing cybersecurity education among all involved parties.
This year marks CAM's 20 th anniversary
In order to commemorate this momentous occasion, we are exploring cyber security's progress over the last 20 years as well as exploring its best practices through four best practices for cybersecurity.
Implement multi-factor authentication
- Utilize a password manager and generate strong passwords
- Update software by reporting and recognizing phishing attempts
- View these four best practices for good cyber hygiene.
Four Keys of Cyber Defense Cybersecurity Awareness month
Focuses on raising cyber hygiene. Just as we practice good physical hygiene - like brushing our teeth daily - this also applies to our digital world.
Cyber security requires good hygiene practices as part of an effective cybersecurity defense, which individuals and organisations alike can take advantage of.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication adds another layer of protection against hackers; even with access to password, an MFA-protected account cannot usually be compromised without having both factors authenticate.
Microsoft claims that Multi-Factor Authentication can block 99.9% of account compromise attempts. All account owners should use MFA given its strong track record - be sure to log on every time with it enabled!
Strong Passwords and a Password Manager
Passwords remain an integral component of online account protection, even as biometric security becomes more widely adopted. Encourage your team to create unique and strong passwords on every account - avoid using information that could easily be guessed such as birthdays or names that is easily recognized as being easy password guesses.
Businesses can benefit from creating strong password enforcement policies. Such rules require that a password meet certain standards before entering any system; you could, for instance, set a rule which states it must contain some specific elements (for instance: first letter must match last letter in last name and second letter must contain 'iii' etc).
- Minimum 12 characters to form an acceptable sentence are needed.
- At least one uppercase letter must appear.
- Minimum one lowercase letter.
- Minimum One Number/Symbol to Update Software/Firmware
Cybercriminals have found ways to exploit outdated software
Make sure to regularly update operating systems, software applications and firmware so as to remain up-to-date on security patches and patches for your protection.
Automating updates will ensure they are completed efficiently. Companies can utilize endpoint device managers such as Intune to streamline this process and increase endpoint security.
Reporting and Recognizing Phishing
Cyber threats often spread via phishing attacks. Teach your team how to recognize phishing emails and suspicious links as well as detect unsolicited files, check email addresses of senders before providing sensitive data, etc.
Employees should also be trained on phishing using channels other than email. Phishing text messages are on the rise and criminals have even begun using social media platforms to conduct scams through direct messages sent directly by criminals.
Reporting phishing attacks is also key in creating awareness. Notifying other employees can help prevent falling into its trap, and notifying your IT team so they can mitigate potential threats. Make sure employees know what steps to take should they receive suspicious phishing emails.
We can assist in the implementation of effective cyber hygiene practices
Cyber Awareness Month (CAM) provides an ideal opportunity to refocus attention on cybersecurity. Prioritizing cyber hygiene can also make an important difference between vulnerability or resilience for your team.
Need some assistance creating a more resilient and secure future for your business? Our team of professionals can assist in getting you started on the essential elements necessary. Once these are in place, productivity will increase significantly while security increases significantly for your company.
Reach out to us right now so we can arrange for a meeting! Call today at (404) 932-5940 or email us at info@nuwaveitc.com
