The month of October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a dedicated month keeping you informed and ensuring you have the resources you need to be safe online safety.
The U.S. government designated October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2004 to promote awareness of the importance of keeping our personal data safe. Both public and private sectors, alongside tribal communities, collaboratively promote awareness about the significance of cybersecurity in our current age.
Cybersecurity conversations often emphasize technical and administrative measures, particularly in business. However, while these safeguards are pivotal in any security strategy, their efficiency depends wholly on the people tasked with utilizing them.
Here are the top four recommended measures you can take to increase your safety online:
Utilize robust passwords and employ a password manager
It is imperative to safeguard your data with strong passwords. These should be lengthy, random, unique, and encompass all four character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols). Password managers are invaluable tools for generating lengthy, random, and distinct passwords for each of your accounts, simplifying the process of storing passwords and usernames.
Activate multifactor authentication (MFA)
Relying solely on passwords for online account security isn’t enough — enabling MFA reduces the risk of your data getting stolen. Utilize authentication apps or hardware tokens to enhance security for all your online accounts that offer this feature, especially for email, social media, and financial accounts.
Identify and report phishing attempts
Phishing emails, texts, and calls are the primary threats to data security. Exercise caution when encountering unsolicited communications requesting personal information, and refrain from sharing sensitive data or login credentials over the phone or via email. Additionally, avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown sources, and validate the authenticity of requests by contacting the individual or organization through a trusted channel. Educate yourself on identifying phishing signs and promptly report such incidents to safeguard your data and devices.
Keep your software updated
Ensuring that your software is up to date is the most effective means of ensuring that your devices have the latest security patches and updates. If automatic updates are not available, regularly check for updates manually. Keep your operating systems, antivirus software, web browsers, and applications up to date to maintain security and peace of mind.
Need help with your IT? With Attain’s IT support services, you can rest assured that your business technology is in good hands, allowing you to focus on growing your business and serving your customers.
Contact Us for Your Cybersecurity Needs TodayAttain Technology is a comprehensive technology solutions provider specializing in Managed IT, Cybersecurity, Managed Cloud, and BCDR Solutions in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Through dependable and professional IT services, the Attain Technology team adeptly handles IT-related tasks, eliminates the associated hassles, and effectively deploys cybersecurity tools to mitigate potential errors by employees. Businesses can redirect their focus towards serving their clients, confident that their technology needs are well taken care of. Get in touch today for the proactive IT support your business needs to succeed.
