Secure Our World: 4 Work-Related Security Best Practices for Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Use Strong Passwords

The first pillar of “Secure Our World” is using strong passwords. Weak passwords have been the cause of 81% of all security breaches, according to the 2021 Verizon data breach investigations report. Your password is your first line of defense against cyber threats; it’s a digital wall that protects your personal and sensitive information. Nevertheless, many people still opt for easily guessable passwords like “123456” or “password.”

A strong password is a complex one. It should be long, combining upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Creating a strong password might seem daunting, but it’s a small price to pay for the security of your online accounts. Password managers can be helpful for managing strong passwords across all of your applications and systems.

Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication

The second pillar of this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness campaign is to turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA is an additional layer of security that ensures only authorized users can access your accounts. It typically involves something you know (your password) and something you have (a mobile device or hardware token).

Enabling MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if someone has your password. Most online services now offer MFA options, and setting it up is usually a straightforward process. By doing this, you’re enhancing the security of your accounts and protecting your digital identity.

Recognize and report phishing

The third action encourages everyone to become more vigilant when it comes to recognizing and reporting phishing attempts. Phishing attempts are increasingly common: in 2023, it has been estimated that over 3.4 billion phishing emails are sent — every day! Phishing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or downloading malicious software. They often disguise themselves as trustworthy entities, such as banks, government agencies, or well-known companies.

It’s essential to be cautious when you receive unexpected emails, messages, or calls, especially if they ask for personal or financial information. If something feels off or too good to be true, it might be a phishing attempt. Learn to recognize the red flags and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities or organizations.

Also, don’t hesitate to use the SPF record checker to avoid email phishing attacks and boost email security.

Update software

The final critical action is to keep your software and systems up to date. Software updates are not just about adding new features; they also include important security patches. Cybercriminals are constantly searching for vulnerabilities in outdated software that they can exploit.

By regularly updating your operating systems, applications, and antivirus software, you ensure that you have the latest defenses against known vulnerabilities. Don’t procrastinate those update notifications – they’re your shield against potential cyber threats.