It is easy to become accustomed to the ‘it won’t happen to me’ style of thinking, especially when it comes to cybersecurity. Unfortunately, today’s technology landscape has changed so dramatically that cyber security is not just for business anymore – it’s for everyone and everywhere. Whether its your laptop, phone, or even your smart slow cooker a minimal layer of security is needed.
Join Vodigy Technologies and CISA in exploring the ‘See Yourself in Cyber’ theme for Cyber Security Awareness month (October 2022).
A little background
Not many are aware that October has been Cyber Security Awareness month since 2004! Going on it’s 19th year, this program has been utilized to stimulate a ‘collaborative effort between government and industry to raise cybersecurity awareness nationwide’. However, it very much goes way beyond a partnership with CISA and industry.
Taking on the responsibility of protecting your business, family, or yourself from cyber threats seems like a very daunting task. However, when it comes down to the basics, ‘it’s really all about the people’.
'See Yourself in Cyber'
This year, CISA’s awareness theme is called ‘See Yourself in Cyber’ and centers around how everyone from large corporations right down to the individual can help in the effort.
First off, one of your best resources is always going to be the organization or team that handles your technology environment. Whether you are in partnership with a Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) like Vodigy Technologies or have an in-house team, those are the people that will be most familiar with your infrastructure and can recommend the best security practices.
Security standards and practices can vary by industry as some businesses might require extra layers of protection. Overall, CISA highlights four things that you can do to help mitigate cybersecurity risk.
- Think before you click. Some phishing attempts can look like the real deal. Make sure you are considering all details before clicking any links. If it does not look quite right, then do not click. Instead report this to whomever handles your IT security.
- Keep it updated. Do not delay important software updates. We all know how annoying it is to wait for your computer to update and it is always at the worst possible time too. However, those updates might include security patches or fixes crucial to your overall tech safety. Also, you may want to consider talking to Vodigy about utilizing endpoint security, which will help protect the rest of your environment during the event of a cyber attack or data loss.
- Use strong passwords. Long past are the days of using your birthdate, pets name, or street you grew up on as passwords. Unfortunately, they are just too easy to guess! Therefore, both CISA and Vodigy Technologies recommends that complex passwords are used. This usually includes passwords that are long, unique, and randomly generated. Applications that include password managers can help you keep track of these so you will not have to remember them all either!
- Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA). Some things are going to need more than just passwords to protect. By enabling MFA, you add an extra layer of challenge to cybercriminals looking to make trouble.
If you are into a good PowerPoint, check out ‘See Yourself in Cyber: 101’. There is lots of great information on not only how to help protect your business as well as your family and loved ones.
Join the team
You do not have to be a car carrying member to join the cybersecurity team. Just simply practice good technology hygiene by following the action steps above and encourage others to do so as well.
Not sure where to start? Vodigy Technologies is here to help. We know cybersecurity, especially for small and medium businesses. Stay up to date with the latest in protection and the most reliable tools by partnering with Vodigy.
You can also find out more about CISA’s Cybersecurity Awareness Program here.
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