October Is Cyber Security Awareness Month
Every October, businesses across the U.S. recognize National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This event, originally created by the government, is a collaboration of various industries to recognize the threats posed by hackers and other cybercriminals. Its purpose is to make Americans more vigilant while online so they can help protect sensitive data related to their company or personal accounts. Many companies hold events and training sessions to underscore the latest attack modes and to teach employees how to recognize scams and threats received via email other communication.
What Are Some of the Statistics Related to Cybersecurity Threats?
Here are a few sobering facts to share during your company’s cyber awareness campaign:
- 70% of organizations think cybersecurity is a significant risk.
- By 2020, there will be 300 billion passwords used by machine and people.
- Smalls businesses are the target of 43% of cyber attacks.
- Every day, 230,000 new malware samples are uploaded to the digital world.
- Using encryption, 90% of hackers effectively cover their tracks.
What’s the Focus of Cyber Awareness Month 2019?
NCAM is sponsored by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in collaboration with the National Cyber Security Alliance. Organizations that participate can get campaign and training ideas from the official website. Generally, businesses are encouraged to engage employees and promote the focus areas selected by CISA/NCSA co-leaders.
For 2019, the slogan is “OWN IT. SECURE IT. PROTECT IT.” Related materials emphasize the role each user has in practicing safe online usage at home and work. It’s important to adopt a proactive approach to limiting the growing cybersecurity threats.
What Can Businesses Do to Participate?
Businesses can incorporate this year’s them and organize events to promote cybersecurity month. This raises awareness and gets everyone thinking about their own role in keeping malefactors out of your network.
Each part of the theme can be used to frame conversations, design training curriculum and include internal and external resources. Key messages should focus on the different components of 2019’s them.
How Can Organizations and Individuals Understand Their Digital Footprint?
The first component of the theme is “Own it.” This refers to the need to recognize the prevalence of internet-based phones, computers and other devices in our daily lives. Constant connection brings us entertainment and keeps us in touch with friends, families and colleagues wherever we may roam. However, that means the potential to be affected by cybersecurity threats rises exponentially.
It’s important for individuals and organizations to stay vigilant on all their devices to keep private and corporate information secure.
Potential Topics:
- Privacy Settings
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
- Safe Social Media Posting
- Don’t Let Your Tech Own You
- Internet of Things/Smart Technology
How Can You Promote Secure Digital Profiles?
The second theme is “SECURE IT.” This refers to keeping digital profiles on lockdown from cybercriminals. Hackers know how to get personal information from trusting victims. They’re getting more sophisticated all the time. To protect your organization from cyber threats, it’s important to teach employees about security features on common equipment and applications.
Individuals can apply extra layers of protection, such as multi-factor authentication, to keep thieves out of their accounts.
Potential Topics:
- Creating Strong Passwords
- Protecting Against Phishing
- Multi-Factor Authentication
- Zero Trust
- Ecommerce
How Can Employees Protect Their Digital Profiles?
The last part of the theme is to “PROTECT IT.” Safeguard every profile. Be aware that every share, send and post creates digital trail cybercriminals will attempt to exploit. This section should concentrate on asking employees to be cognizant of their online activity and to be careful about the information they give away that could expose vulnerabilities to cybercriminals.
How Can Vision Computers Help?
Vision Computer Solutions takes a top-to-bottom approach to keeping your networks secure. We can help you with training and awareness campaigns in October and beyond. Ask us about our comprehensive network and security solutions for your business or organization. From automatic patching to vulnerability testing, we’ve thought of it all, so you don’t have to.
