Welcome to part 2 of our 2-part series on Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Every October we, along with the cybersecurity community, work to increase awareness about the importance of cybersecurity at home and work.
watch short video > https://youtu.be/NJudz6lt_8Q
There is an IT security theme each week, and in part 2 of our 2-part series, we are going to review the themes for the third and fourth weeks, which are:
- Explore. Experience. Share.
- Cybersecurity First
Cybersecurity is not a “one time and done” exercise. The threat landscape is always evolving as hackers take advantage of technological advances and create their own eco-systems illicit business ventures.
One example of this is the rise of Ransomware as a Service (RaaS). This didn’t exist just a few years ago. But now, large criminal organizations and state-sponsored hacking groups are offering a platform very much like Software as a Service (SaaS), only it’s to help novices conduct ransomware attacks for a low monthly subscription fee.
Ransomware as a Service is now responsible for nearly two-thirds of all ransomware attacks.
This is just one example of why you need to stay vigilant and always evolving when it comes to your IT security awareness and safeguards.
CAM Week 3: Explore. Experience. Share.
This week is about understanding the importance that IT security professionals play in keeping networks around the world, and in Tipton, Indiana, safe from cyberattacks through solutions like managed IT services.
It also emphasizes looking further into cybersecurity training and education. The tips below are focused on being aware and creating a culture that supports the importance of cybersecurity.
Ensure Security Awareness Training is Ongoing
Well-trained employees can reduce a company’s risk of a cyberattack by as much as 70%! For staff to be properly trained, they need to receive training regularly, not just once per year.
You can do this by using a combination of training tactics, including:
- In-person training
- Webinar sessions
- Onboarding security education
- IT security tips in your employee newsletter
- Cybersecurity awareness posters
- View-on-demand security videos
Encourage a Culture of Cybersecurity
Simply giving employees training materials, isn’t enough to encourage a strong culture. You need to make cybersecurity an everyday priority.
Motivate staff, friends, family, and colleagues to engage in strong digital security practices to create an environment where “cybersecurity first” is a given.
Be Vigilant of the Latest Cybersecurity Trends
Cybercriminals are always evolving and creating more sophisticated attacks. It’s important to actively watch for trends and keep up to date on the newest phishing scams that are being launched.
Plan for the Unexpected
It’s impossible to predict every crisis event (pandemic, ransomware attack, vendor data breach, etc.) so it’s important to be properly prepared with a solid business continuity plan.
Do Your Research Before Installing a New App
Don’t blindly install mobile apps, even if they’re from an official app store. They could contain spyware or other malware. Do your research before you download.
CAM Week 4: Cybersecurity First
The 4th week of Cybersecurity Awareness Month highlights the fact that we all need to think of cybersecurity first when purchasing, using, and disposing of any electronics or signing up for online accounts.
Always Think of Cybersecurity First When Purchasing Devices & Software
When purchasing new devices, research things like firmware security and other built-in-safeguards. Also, research security before you sign up for a new cloud account or install software of any kind.
Properly Dispose of Electronic Media
It’s important to properly strip your data from devices before you dispose of them. Just clicking delete and emptying the recycle bin isn’t enough. Take devices to an IT pro before donating them or disposing of them to get professional removal of your data.
Never Believe That You’re “Secure Enough”
The companies that get a false sense of security are often the ones that pay the highest costs when they’re hit unexpectedly with a cyberattack. Conduct annual cybersecurity assessments to continually evolve your protective measures.
Protect IoT Devices
IoT devices like smart speakers, smart appliances, and more are often the most vulnerable endpoints on your network. Make sure to properly secure these devices against any potential breaches.
Close or Delete Unused Accounts
Failing to close old cloud accounts can result in a major security breach. Just ask Colonial Pipeline, the organization that experienced a notorious ransomware attack early this year that cost them over $4 million in ransom costs, not to mention the costs of downtime and remediation.
That attack was enabled by an unused VPN account that was never closed and wasn’t protected with multi-factor authentication.
Promptly closing or deleting unused accounts will increase safety and save you money on cloud subscription costs too.
Schedule a Cybersecurity Assessment Today!
Is your current cybersecurity strategy good enough to keep you protected? Magnify247 can help your Hamilton County business with a full cybersecurity assessment to let you know where you stand.
Contact us today to learn more!
