October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual campaign empowering individuals and organizations to protect themselves from cyber threats. Spearheaded by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), this year’s theme, "Secure Our World", is all about strengthening the foundational knowledge and habits needed to stay secure in the increasingly digital world.
Why cybersecurity matters
Cyber threats are evolving rapidly from personal data breaches to high-profile ransomware attacks. Therefore, everyone must learn how to protect against these risks as cybercriminals continuously discover new methods of exploiting vulnerabilities.
Read also: Healthcare and cybersecurity
CISA's "Secure Our World" campaign
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) celebrates the 21st annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month with the theme “Secure Our World,” a global call to action aimed at making everyone a cyberdefender. The campaign stresses that everyone who owns or uses internet-connected devices, whether phones, computers, or tablets, can contribute to strengthening cybersecurity. By promoting simple, practical steps, CISA aims to make cybersecurity accessible for all, fostering a shared responsibility in safeguarding personal, financial, and organizational data.
Here are those crucial steps you can take to secure yourself and contribute to global cybersecurity:
Create and use strong passwords
One of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to create strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts. As CISA recommends, "These should be long and random and unique for each of your accounts." They suggest using a password manager to help generate and keep these complex passwords securely stored, easing the burden of remembering multiple logins.
Related: 5 Steps to improve password security in healthcare
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
"MFA adds an extra layer of security because a password alone isn't enough to protect your most critical accounts like your email, your social media, and your financial services," CISA notes.
Recognize and report phishing
Phishing remains one of the most common cyberthreats, and CISA encourages internet users to always think before clicking on links or downloading attachments, especially if the source seems unfamiliar. "Be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls that ask for personal information, and avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources," CISA advises.
Keep software updated
Regularly updating your software ensures your devices have the latest security patches. Automatic updates are an excellent way to stay protected without worrying about missing an important update. As CISA reminds us, "Turn on automatic updates for your devices to ensure you're always protected by the latest security patches."
Go deeper: CISA Director Easterly's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 Message
The power of community action
Cybersecurity is not just about individual efforts. It requires collective action. CISA’s "Secure Our World" campaign encourages everyone to involve their friends, family, and neighbors. "Encourage your friends and your family and your neighbors and everyone in between to take these four steps to strengthen our global cybersecurity," CISA emphasizes.
As more of us adopt good cybersecurity habits, we can create a safer digital environment for all.
To learn more about how you can protect yourself and get involved in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, visit cisa.gov/secureourworld.
See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
FAQs
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity refers to the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, or damage. It involves a range of technologies, processes, and practices designed to safeguard personal, financial, and organizational information from cyber threats.
What are some common types of cyberthreats?
Common cyberthreats include:
- Phishing: Attempts to trick users into providing sensitive information, often through fraudulent emails or websites.
- Malware: Malicious software, such as viruses, ransomware, or spyware, that can damage or take control of devices.
- Ransomware: A type of malware that locks users out of their systems or files until a ransom is paid.
- Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: When a cybercriminal intercepts communication between two parties to steal data.
What makes a password strong and secure?
A strong password is long, random, and unique to each account. It should include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Using a password manager can help generate and store secure passwords.
See also: Password guidelines by NIST
Tshedimoso Makhene
