October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Key Points:
- What cybersecurity events do you remember since last year?
- Do this first if you want to guard and secure these front entrances.
- When is the best time to update devices and company software?
- The worst place for your information to get posted; is on social media.
- These three things provide complete protection and awareness.
It’s that time of year again when we remind you that October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Over the past year, many cyber events have occurred that we discovered, uncovered, or the media brought to the world’s attention.
There was Costa Rica’s Conti ransomware attack. Another Marriott hotel data breach and the conviction of a former Amazon employee for the 2019 Capital One breach, just to name a few. In today’s video, Luis has these reminders as you celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
Guard And Secure Your Front Entrances
Your mobile phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and network all have one thing in common. Each has a front entrance that requires a password to gain entry. Also, accounts online, like your bank, apps, social media platforms, and company software, use passwords.
We recommend creating complex passwords. For example, use at least ten characters mixed with numbers, special symbols, and upper and lowercase letters. The next step is changing them often to guard and secure those front entrances.
Finally, never reuse old passwords, or use the same password for multiple devices and accounts. Also, for more robust protection, always use multi-factor authentication to prevent people guessing your password to access your devices and accounts.
Update All Devices And Software At The Same Time
By creating complex passwords for stronger protection, your devices need the latest updates and security patches to strengthen that security. Putting off or failing to keep your equipment up-to-date opens the door for cybercriminals to gain entry.
Also, software companies will notify you of regular updates or if they find a security flaw in their program. Without that necessary update, it would expose your system and potentially create an opportunity for a hacker to breach your network.
Simultaneously updating your devices and software allows you to keep an accurate record of updates and patches. If you experience a cyberattack, you can produce current documentation of timely maintenance and updating should an investigation occur.
Social Media Is Not A Great Place For Your Information
Cybercriminals, scammers, and hackers cruise social media platforms daily, searching for personal and company-sensitive information. Any details and data they find that help them breach your network needs removing.
We recommend reviewing your company’s standard operating procedures regarding social media use on the job. When you find discrepancies or violations about company information posted online that’s not for public viewing, it needs immediate attention.
Also, keep your employees informed and trained about what they are and are not allowed to post on these platforms. Helping them protect your company and staying safe online is an excellent start to Cybersecurity Awareness.
Every Day Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Having complex passwords, updated devices, and patched software, along with using greater caution on any platform you or your staff visit, is excellent. Those are your initial steps to cybersecurity awareness.
But the awareness must never be once a year. It is daily attention that provides complete protection. Starting today, make a daily commitment and goal to remain alert, cautious, and proactive as your company moves forward.
Luis Alvarez and the team from the Alvarez Technology Group thank you for taking those extra steps to protect your organization. Contact us today or call Toll Free: 1-866-78-ITEAM to learn more about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
