October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Let's Secure Our World.

October isn’t just about cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice; it’s also Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the critical importance of staying safe online. 

This is an opportunity for both the public and private sectors to come together and emphasize the importance of cybersecurity in our increasingly connected world.

The History of Cybersecurity Awareness Month

In 2004, the President and Congress of the United States declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Since then, it has grown into a collaborative effort between governments and industries worldwide to promote cybersecurity, encourage people to take action to reduce online risks, and foster conversations around increasing cyber threats. October 2024 marks the 21st Cybersecurity Awareness Month, with an even greater focus on security in a world that’s more digitally connected than ever.

“Secure Our World” – The 2023 and Beyond Theme

In 2023, CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) launched the “Secure Our World” campaign, which has become the ongoing theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This campaign underscores the need for everyone to take small, daily actions to protect themselves online. From securing devices to creating stronger passwords, the Secure Our World theme reminds us that every individual has a role to play in reducing cybersecurity risks.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is defined as "the protection of computer systems and networks from attacks by malicious actors that may result in unauthorized information disclosure, theft of, or damage to hardware, software, or data."

 In today’s digital age, wherever there is technology, there is a need for cybersecurity.

Why Cybersecurity Matters

Whether you’re an individual or part of an organization, implementing cybersecurity best practices is essential. For businesses, government agencies, and individuals alike, developing tailored cybersecurity strategies helps protect against breaches, theft, and other online threats. Ensuring your systems are secure is crucial for maintaining operations, protecting financial information, and keeping personal data safe from cybercriminals.

4 Simple Ways to Stay Safe Online

Even though cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, there are simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves online.

1. Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager

Creating strong, unique passwords is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Follow these tips for better password security:

• Use long passwords with at least 16 characters.
• Make them unique for each account.
• Include a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, special characters, and even spaces.
• Consider using passphrases for easier memorization.

A password manager can make your life easier by securely storing your passwords, alerting you if you reuse passwords, and generating strong new ones. Some password managers can even fill in your credentials on websites, and they won’t fall for phishing attacks—even if you do. Plus, password managers use encryption to ensure that password managers never "know" what your passwords are, keeping them safe from cyber attacks.

2. Turn on Multifactor Authentication

Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. MFA requires you to provide two or more verification methods to log in, such as:

• A code sent to your phone or email.
• An authenticator app.
• A security key.
• Biometrics like fingerprints or facial recognition.

Enable MFA on accounts with sensitive information, including email, financial services, and social media accounts.

3. Recognize and Report Phishing Attempts

Phishing scams remain a top threat, where attackers try to trick you into giving up personal information. Look out for these red flags in emails or messages.

• Urgent or alarming tones, like “Click here to avoid losing your account!”
• Suspicious sender email addresses, such as "Amaz0n.com" instead of "Amazon.com."
• Unexpected requests for personal information.
  Legitimate organizations don't ask for personal information through email or an unexpected call.
• Misspellings, bad grammar, or strange URLs.
  Be aware that AI will make spotting these more challenging. Be diligent.

If you suspect phishing:

Do NOT

• Don't click any links you don’t trust. Delete the email/text.
• Don't click any attachments you were not expecting or recognize.
• Don't send personal info online or share over the phone.

Do

• Verify that the communication is real and contact the sender directly through known phone numbers or emails.
• Report it to your IT department or email/phone provider.
• Use email filters.
  Many email services have filters that can help prevent many phishing messages from ever reaching your employees’ mailboxes.
• DELETE IT.

4. Keep Your Software Updated

Regular software updates protect your devices from the latest cyber threats. Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. Turn on automatic updates to ensure your devices, browsers, and apps are always up to date. If you see a notification to update your system, don’t ignore it—keeping your software current is key to staying secure.

Stay Cyber-Safe All Year Long

Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as an annual reminder of the importance of protecting yourself online. But remember, cybersecurity is a daily commitment. By taking simple steps—like creating strong passwords, enabling MFA, recognizing phishing, and keeping your software updated—you can significantly reduce your risk and help build a safer online world for everyone.

Additional Resources:

CISA Cybersecurity Awareness Month

NCA Stay Safe Online

Teknologize is a SOC 2 certified, Professional Technology Services company with clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. We have offices located in:

• Tri-Cities, Washington 509.396.6640
• Yakima, Washington 509.396.6640
• Bend, Oregon 541.848.6072
• Seattle, Washington 206.743.0981

Questions about your IT or Cybersecurity? Give us a call today!