Cybersecurity Awareness Month, 2021: “Do Your Part. Be Cyber Smart.”

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Cybersecurity should always be our top priority.

This month of October marks the 18th year anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a theme:  “Do Your Part.  Be Cyber Smart.” Due to an ever-increasing threat from malicious cyber actors, this event could help raise awareness about cybersecurity with its theme emphasizing the significance of individuals being cyber smart in doing their part to improve cybersecurity at home and in the workplace.

The Data breach in 2020 has an average total cost of $3.86 million and it took an average of 280 days to identify and contain. These attacks have disrupted the networks and paralyzed the system of huge companies, fuel pipelines, schools, healthcare organizations, food suppliers, and many small businesses that have impacted supply chain, public health, and national and economic safety and security. They say humans are the “weakest link” insecurity. 88% of data breaches are caused by human error. To avoid cyber attacks from occurring, organizations should promote cyber hygiene.

Here are some tips to help needle toward stronger #BeCyberSmart hygiene.

1. Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - It is necessary to have multiple methods of authentication to protect accounts from being compromised.
2. Reviewing App - Take time to review your cell phone applications and delete the unfamiliar ones and the apps you don’t use. It is essential to remove risky apps to ensure you are not putting your identity and privacy at risk.
3. Knowing the Phishing Red flags - Always remember to ‘think before you click,’ because it can be difficult to discern whether the content is genuine or a potential threat.
4. Never use public computers to log in to any accounts - Keep your activities as generic and anonymous as possible when working in a public setting.
5. Updating Software - Make sure to always keep your systems on the latest software to protect against known vulnerabilities.

May this Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us to perform our part in securing and protecting our networks, technology, and devices from cyber threats at work, home, school, and anywhere else we connect online. Always Be Cyber Smart to Do Your Part.