As the digital world continues to expand, so do the threats that lurk in its shadows. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual initiative that serves as a reminder of the importance of staying vigilant in the face of evolving cyber threats.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology designated this month in an effort to equip all of us with the knowledge and tools we need to safeguard our online presence.
Cybercriminals employ various tactics to gain unauthorized access to our sensitive information. Awareness is the first line of defense against these scams. We can all do these four things to stay safe online.
Recognize and report phishing
Phishing occurs when criminals try to get us to open harmful links, emails or attachments that could request our personal information or infect our devices. Phishing messages or “bait” usually come in the form of an email, text, direct message on social media or phone call. These messages are often designed to look like they come from a trusted person or organization to get us to respond. Do not click or engage with these phishing attempts. Instead, recognize them by their use of alarming language or offers that are too good to be true. If you suspect phishing, resist the temptation to click on links or attachments and delete the message.
Use strong passwords
Using strong passwords and a secure password manager are some easy ways to protect ourselves from someone logging into an account and stealing data or money. A strong password is long, random and unique. When creating a password, use at least 16 characters that incorporates a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Make your password a random strong of mixed-case letters, numbers and symbols and use a password manager tool that securely stores and auto-fills your credentials. Avoid the temptation of using the same password across multiple platforms and create a unique password or passphrase for each account.
Turn on multifactor authentication
Multifactor authentication (MFA) means using more than a password to access an app or account. With MFA, users have to provide additional verification beyond a password, such as a fingerprint, security code from a text or email or an authentication app. MFA increases security and can make us significantly safer online. Even if our passwords become compromised, unauthorized users will be unable to meet the second step requirement and will not be able to access our accounts.
Update your software
Many software updates are created to fix security risks and should be done as soon as they are available. Keeping software up to date is an easy way for us to stay safer online. To make updates even more convenient, turn on the automatic updates in the device’s or application’s security settings.
By adopting these measures and staying informed, you can play an active role in safeguarding your digital life and contribute to a safer and more secure cyber landscape. This October, let us stand united in our commitment to cybersecurity awareness and protect ourselves from the lurking threats of the digital age.