October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a global event designed to spread awareness about cybersecurity. With the ever-increasing connected world that we live in, looking after your security online is vital for protecting personal as well as commercial data. And the greater our reliance on technology, the more exposed we all become to cyberattacks that could put data at risk. This a great opportunity to remind ourselves that we need to practice better security around our digital lives.
But just what is Cybersecurity, and how can you keep yourself safe online? This is such a great field, but let me take you through how to do this by considering some of the most important points in cyber security awareness and practical solutions.
Understanding Cybersecurity
The term cyber security, at its most basic level, is all about protecting computer systems, networks, and data from theft or damage by criminal enterprises. Cyber threats come in a variety of forms, such as
- Phishing: Emails, messages claiming to be from enterprises in which those same organizations request you for sensitive information
- Malware: Software specially designed to damage or perform malicious actions on a computer system, such as viruses and ransomware.
- Data Breaches: The unauthorized access to sensitive data, which is commonly used for identity theft or financial fraud.
- Hacking: The process of gaining unauthorized access to a computer system, either by stealing, altering, Or destroying Data.
As tech continues to evolve, these masterminds keep figuring out new ways of exploiting quirks in the system, looking for any opportunity to strike. — So it is best practice that you maintain a healthy dose of paranoia and unsalted caution when keeping your cyber footprint soundly defended, proven by my routine users who managed to sniff this crevice at just over 200 lines into an overtime article.
Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness
Created through collaboration between governments, not-for-profits, and industry in 2004 as part of a broad effort to help grow the general awareness about online security among consumers. This will motivate the masses to ingrain themselves in responsible and secure conduct so that they can protect their system from cyber threats.
The Must-Know Best Practices to Stay Safe Online
If you are a tech-savvy looking to bolster this or an average Joe using the internet on a day-to-day basis, then these general cybersecurity practices, which everyone should be following, can considerably increase the security against online threats:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
The idea behind MFA is to provide an additional layer of security since it typically requires something more than a password to gain access to an account. Even if a password hacker steals your login credentials, they cannot access the service because of an additional item (for example:- a code sent to you via text message or authentication app) that is required for logging in.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Passwords are the weakest link Make long, complex passwords for every account and use a password manager to store each of the unique passwords securely. - Beware of Phishing Scams
Always be wary of unsolicited emails or messages seeking your details, especially any that request you click on suspicious links. ALWAYS authenticate the originator BEFORE responding or clicking on attachments. - Update Software Regularly
Older software is regularly subject to attacks from hackers. Whether an operating system, app, or antivirus — security holes that make them vulnerable are regularly closed using software updates. - Backup Your Data
Always back up your important files on an external hard drive or cloud service. That way, you save important data from potential attacks (for example, ransomware). - Secure Your Wi-Fi Network
Secure your home or business WIFI network with a password. When accessing sensitive information, avoid public WIFI as communication is mostly unencrypted and easy prey for eavesdropping.
Creating Opportunities for Business Employers
Businesses must create a culture of security awareness as much as they are required to invest in the technology that protects their systems. Properly training your employees to spot threats, establishing security protocols, and helping them become smarter online users can help mitigate the risks of a cyber incident. Take Cybersecurity Awareness Month as an opportunity to review your company policies and maybe even plan a few cybersecurity training sessions with your team.
Use the opportunity this October to reflect on your online habits and empower yourself against cyber threats. Use Cybersecurity Awareness Month as an opportunity to learn new tactics and bring safe online habits both to your personal life and your business arena.
Contact us at PCS for to learn more or get help protecting your digital life. Whether you are an individual wanting a consultation or need help with data protection for your business, PCS can provide that extra level of security.