October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
As the 18th year of National Cybersecurity Awareness month rolls around, we should all take a look at what we’re doing to help combat and prevent cyberattacks and cyber theft. This is a month-long effort brought to life through a collaboration between the National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is a joint effort between industry, government, and the public in order to raise awareness of the importance of keeping sensitive information safe and secure online.
Since the past 2 years has essentially forced a shift to a remote or hybrid workspace, the threat of security issues have risen to a chance you may not have been prepared for. In the rush to digitally transform, organizations are moving workloads to the Cloud, adopting new technologies and expanding third-party networks to enhance their offerings.
In the month of October, HCTG will be producing weekly content around the CISA’s themes of the month. You will not only be able to find this content on our blog, but also our LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Our Favorite Cybersecurity Tips:
To kick off cybersecurity month we’ve picked four of our favorite cybersecurity best practices from CISA’s cybersecurity awareness month toolkit (LINK) to highlight:
- Shake up your password protocol and use multifactor authentication (MFA). According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), using the longest possible password is best. Most sites will require capitals, numbers, and characters. Use this to your advantage to create the most secure password you can. Partner a strong password with using MFA to double down on your security.
- Be aware of and report phishing. Phishing is an attempt by hackers to pass as an internal or external information source that looks familiar to the receiver. Phishing attempts are endemic, and hackers continue to evolve their creativity when it comes to attacks. When you suspect a phishing attempt, don’t respond, report the phish, and delete the email from your inbox.
- Limit what information you post on social media. CISA states to limit posting everything “…from personal addresses to where you like to grab coffee.” Additionally, CISA. Recommends to keep sensitive information safe such as: “Social Security numbers, account numbers, and passwords private, as well as specific information about yourself, such as your full name, address, birthday, and even vacation plans.”
- Keep tabs on your apps. Mobile devices, while convenient and nearly necessary to modern life, are accompanied by a list of risks. Stay up to date on app permissions to avoid compromising personal data.
Ransomware Attacks
According to research done by tripwire, the average ransomware payout has increased in the past year by 171%. The research reveals that the average ransom demand in 2020 was $847,344. If hearing this puts a pit in your stomach, this should be motivation to up your cybersecurity game.
Ransomware is a serious problem that can have significant impacts – both financial and operational – on companies of all sizes. Ensure that your business is following best practice advice and tips on how to reduce the chances of an effective ransomware attack.