Cybersecurity Awareness Month: A Call to Action for a Safer Digital World

October is not just about the fall season and Halloween; it's also about raising awareness on a crucial topic that affects us all - cybersecurity. Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have marked October as the Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This initiative has grown into a collaborative effort between the government and industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness on both a national and global scale.

Celebrating 20 Years of Cybersecurity Awareness

This year marks the 20th Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Over the years, this initiative has encouraged the public to take proactive steps to reduce online risks and has fostered discussions on cyber threats. In recognition of this milestone, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched a new enduring cybersecurity awareness program titled "Secure Our World."

Secure Our World: The New Mantra

"Secure Our World" is more than just a theme for this year's Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It's a message that CISA aims to integrate across its awareness campaigns and programs. The program emphasizes the importance of daily actions to protect ourselves when online or using connected devices. It promotes behavioral change, focusing on how individuals, families, and small to medium-sized businesses can secure their digital world.

Four Pillars of Online Safety

To build a safer and more trusted digital world, CISA recommends four simple steps that everyone should adopt:

• Use a Password Manger and Strong Passwords: Create long, random, and unique passwords that include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Consider using password managers to help generate and store these passwords securely.

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA provides an additional layer of security. Enable it on all online accounts, especially critical ones like email, social media, and financial platforms.

• Recognize and Report Phishing: Be wary of unsolicited messages asking for personal information. Always verify the source before sharing sensitive details and report any suspicious activities. (Contact Us for a free trial of our Security Awareness Training)

• Update Software Regularly: Keeping your software updated ensures that you benefit from the latest security patches. If automatic updates aren't available, make it a habit to check for updates regularly.

Get Started Today

With cyber threats evolving daily, a dynamic and adaptive security approach is non-negotiable. These recommendations can be implemented today!

Here at LeewardCloud, we're dedicated to helping you understand and implement the best cybersecurity for your business. To learn more or discuss how we can assist you in deploying a Zero Trust architecture tailored to your needs, don't hesitate to reach out.