Cybersecurity Awareness Month Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

Posted on: 09/10/2023   By:Katherine Reichert

There’s nothing spookier than cybercrime! A secure Halloween is the best Halloween — to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, Exclusive Networks is featuring updates on the current digital security landscape and how you can best fend off cyber ghouls and ghosts lurking in the online shadows.

To kick off all the tricks and treats we plan to share, here are 4 key best practices we recommend:

  1. Don’t be haunted by weak passwords. Create strong passwords and use a password manager: Weak passwords are responsible for most data breaches. Strong passwords should be long, complex, and unique for each account. Consider using a password manager for added security.
  2. Ghosts and goblins can’t guess your second factor! Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords, making it harder for unauthorized access. MFA methods include something you know, have, are, and your location.
  3. A software update a day keeps the digital monsters away. Update your software: Regularly updating software and device operating systems is crucial to patch vulnerabilities and stay ahead of cyber threats. Organizations often automate this process, but individuals should also ensure their software is up to date.
  4. Costumes are fun, but don’t mistake a phishing email as something harmless. Recognize and report phishing attempts: Phishing scams aim to steal sensitive information through deceptive messages. Always verify sender details, check links, and attachments for legitimacy, and report suspicious emails.

These simple steps help individuals and organizations ward off spooky cyberthreats and keep their digital assets safe. Cybersecurity Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of these practices in safeguarding our digital way of life.

Remember while all these puns are in good fun, there’s nothing more bone-chilling than cybercrime. When it comes to online safety, we’re all about treats, not tricks! Follow us on LinkedIn for more.