Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2021. Get Started!

The first Cybersecurity Awareness Month dates back to 2004. It was launched by the National Cyber Security Association ( NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security ( DHS), and its main aim was to raise awareness and to any internet user to be secure online.

This year is the 18th time Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. It is organized by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency ( CISA) and NCSA. This year’s theme is called “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart” and it encourages individuals and organizations to take their part in protecting cyberspace by spreading awareness and enhancing cybersecurity.

Everyone must acknowledge: all our “connected” devices (PCs, laptops, phones, etc.) contain sensitive information, which can be compromised and stolen anytime. Using the internet can be extremely risky if you are unaware of proper protection techniques.

We have emphasized many times in our articles the need of taking responsibility and protecting proactively. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the best time to remind the tips we have shared before:

1. Invest in Cybersecurity Awareness: It has been proven that 90% of cyber-attacks are related to human error. most employees are unaware of the potential dangers and risks caused by cyber-attacks. No matter the size of your company, or the industry you are working in. You and your employees must acknowledge the importance of full involvement. Hackers frequently target personal devices to access company networks. Any cybersecurity training should emphasize this. Ransomware is the most common and devastating kind of cyber-attack. One of the most important steps toward business security is teaching employees to detect and avoid fake emails. Employees must be aware that even if such emails are not infected, they contain messages enticing users to click on dangerous links.
2. Use secure passwords: Various studies prove that most data breaches are caused by weak passwords. It is important not only to select strong passwords but also to update them regularly. Using two-factor authentication can also be an essential option. Never forget to change your passwords from time to time, and don’t save them on pcs and websites. Also, vary them from site to site.
3. Back up your data regularly on highly protected cloud storage or an external hard drive (disconnected from the computer after each backup). Typically, the “3–2–1” backup rule is implemented: information is stored in three separate locations, on two different types of storage, and one copy is kept offsite. Control and monitor any data saved and shared within and outside your company’s network.
4. Install anti-virus software and keep it always updated! Update and patch your software/systems regularly to keep hackers away. For your convenience, enable automatic updating. However, with the sophisticated techniques used by cyber-criminals today, using perimeter cybersecurity products is not enough. Remember that you should always stay at least one step ahead of cyber-criminals: make your data unreadable and useless for them! With a cybersecurity solution like Fragglestorm, your data will be ultra-secure not because it cannot be breached (it always can), but because it is useless for unauthorized users.

So get involved! To highlight your role in cybersecurity awareness, use the hashtag #BeCyberSmart.

Here’s the schedule for October 2021:

• Week of October 4 (Week 1): Be Cyber Smart.
• Week of October 11 (Week 2): Fight the Phish!
• Week of October 18 (Week 3): Explore. Experience. Share.
• Week of October 25 (Week 4): Cybersecurity First