Tomorrow marks the start of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a topic that is very important to our company as it should be for all. There is no better time than now to make sure your company’s hardware and software is protected, as well as your own. Companies and individuals need to be aware that serious threats to data is at an all time high. Now in its 18th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to raise awareness of the importance of cybersecurity and to make sure that all Americans have the resources needed to be safe and more secure online.
This year, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) are continuing their use of the theme “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart” which encourages businesses and individuals to be responsible for protecting themselves in cyberspace and stressing personal accountability and the importance of a proactive approach to enhance security.
The organizations will focus on the following areas in 2021:
- Week of October 4 (Week 1): Be Cyber Smart.
- Week of October 11 (Week 2): Phight the Phish!
- Week of October 18 (Week 3): Explore. Experience. Share.
- Week of October 25 (Week 4): Cybersecurity First
Some ways to “Do Your Part” as an organization/employee or individual:
- Make employees aware of unique malicious scams as they have occurred
- Conduct awareness training for employees to gain knowledge of what to do in specific cybersecurity situations
- Create secure passwords, don’t share them, and avoid common words and phrases
- Keep your anti-virus, software, and operating system up to date
- Never give personal information over the phone or email
- Don’t click on links in emails, especially if it looks suspicious
- Never visit unfamiliar websites and be aware of lookalike links
- Include the word “EXTERNAL” in the subject of emails as another safeguard for employees
Scammers have come up with unique ways to gain access to company and personal data and use, but are not limited to, pop-ups, viruses, emails, texts, and phone calls to get the information they need from the recipient. Just like in social settings, the same goes for cyber settings, and “be aware of your surroundings.” Do your part. #BeCyberSmart
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-cyber-security-awareness-month-october/
