As technology continues to advance, there is an escalating need for heightened awareness and proactive measures to safeguard sensitive information.

For everyday individuals, cybersecurity may seem like an overwhelming task. However, it is not solely the responsibility of the IT team. Each and every person can contribute to the protection of their organization’s data, as well as their own.

October serves as a timely reminder during  Cybersecurity Awareness Month that there are numerous ways to safeguard data. Simply following the basics can have a significant impact on the overall security of your network.

What Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?

Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM) takes place annually in October, serving as a vital initiative that promotes cybersecurity awareness and education. Its main objective is to equip individuals and organizations with the necessary knowledge and resources to enhance their defense against cyber threats.

What initially began as the U.S. initiative, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, rapidly evolved into a global movement.

The esteemed leadership of two agencies, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), spearheads this collaborative effort.

Together, government agencies, industry leaders, and cybersecurity experts unite to cultivate awareness surrounding cyber risks and advocate for best practices in the field.

This Year’s Theme

This is CAM’s 20th year. To celebrate, the theme revolves around looking at how far cybersecurity has come. As well as how far it has to go. This year, CAM focuses on four key best practices of cybersecurity.

These are:

• Enabling multi-factor authentication

• Using strong passwords and a password manager

• Updating software

• Recognizing and reporting phishing

Let’s take a closer look at these four best practices of good cyber hygiene.

Essential Cyber Hygiene: 4 Keys to a Strong Defense

Central to Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the promotion of essential cyber hygiene practices. Just like how we prioritize our physical health through good hygiene, such as daily teeth brushing, cybersecurity also calls for consistent good hygiene practices to safeguard our online environment.

These practices are fundamental in establishing a robust cybersecurity defense, benefiting individuals and organizations alike.

Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) significantly enhances the security of all logins, providing an essential layer of protection. With MFA in place, even if a cybercriminal gains access to the password, it remains exceedingly difficult for them to breach an account. This fortified safeguard ensures that your valuable information remains secure.

According to Microsoft, MFA can block 99.9% of attempted account compromise attacks. With that strong track record, everyone really should be using it on every login they have.

Strong Passwords & a Password Manager

Passwords remain essential for ensuring online account security, even with the rise of biometrics. It is highly recommended that team members adopt strong and unique passwords for each account, avoiding easily guessable information like birthdays or names.

Companies can help by setting strong password enforcement rules. This requires a strong password before it’s accepted in a system. For example, you may set up a policy that requires a password to have:

• At least 12 characters

• At least 1 upper case letter

• At least 1 lower case letter

• At least 1 number

• At least 1 symbol

Updating Software

Outdated software exposes vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals. It is crucial to regularly update operating systems, applications, and firmware to ensure that the latest security patches are in place.

Automating updates is a highly recommended approach to ensure prompt action.

For seamless updates across all employee devices, companies can rely on endpoint device managers such as Intune, which not only simplifies the process but also enhances endpoint security.

Recognizing and Reporting Phishing

Phishing attacks are a common cyber threat, so it’s important to train your team to recognize and handle them effectively. Encourage them to verify the sender’s email address and avoid sharing sensitive information unless they’re absolutely sure about the recipient’s authenticity.

It’s also crucial to raise awareness about phishing beyond emails, as criminals now use tactics like text messages or direct messages on social media platforms.

Emphasizing the reporting of phishing incidents is paramount as well. Reporting helps alert other employees to avoid falling into the same trap, and enables the IT team to take prompt action and mitigate the threat.

Provide your employees with the necessary information on how to report a suspicious phishing email when they come across one.

We Can Help You Put the Best Cyber Hygiene Practices in Place

CAM presents a golden opportunity to truly grasp the importance of cybersecurity while placing a strong emphasis on the fundamental practices of cyber hygiene.

Introducing a culture of cybersecurity awareness within your team is vital – it can mean the difference between vulnerability and resilience.

Seeking assistance to pave a secure and resilient path forward? Our team of experts is here to equip you with the essentials. Once you have laid this foundation, brace yourself for heightened productivity and ironclad security. Today is the day to give us a call and schedule an engaging chat that will set you on the right track.

—
Featured Image Credit

This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.