October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, an annual campaign led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and provide resources to help individuals and organizations protect themselves from online threats.

This year’s theme is “Secure Our World,” which empowers everyone to understand the simple ways to protect yourself, your family, and your business from online threats.

Why is Cyber Security Awareness Month Important?

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and it’s more important than ever to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and they are always looking for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in our systems.

Cyber Security Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn about the latest threats and how to protect yourself from them. It’s also a time to reflect on our own cybersecurity practices and make sure we’re doing everything we can to stay safe online.

Fast Facts About Cybersecurity

According to the National Cybersecurity Alliance 2023 Oh Behave! report:

• 84% of people considered online safety a priority
• Only 38% of people use unique passwords for all their accounts
• About a third of respondents began using a password manager after receiving cyber training
• 79% of respondents were familiar with multifactor authentication
• 70% of those who have heard of MFA security measure know how to use it
• Only 36% of people always install software updates when they become available
• 69% of people express confidence in their ability to identify phishing attempts
• 51% of Americans actively report cybercrimes, particularly instances of phishing

Back-to-School Cybersecurity Tips

With many schools and universities starting their fall semesters, it’s important to be aware of the cybersecurity risks that students face. Here are a few tips to help students stay safe online:

• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your accounts
• Be careful about what you click on and what you download
• Don’t share your personal information with anyone you don’t know
• Be aware of phishing scams and other social engineering attacks
• Keep your software up-to-date
• Backup your important files regularly, on the cloud or an external hard drive

How to Get Involved in Cyber Security Awareness Month

There are many ways to get involved in Cyber Security Awareness Month. Here are a few ideas:

• Educate yourself about cybersecurity. Visit the CISA website and the NCA website to learn more about the latest threats and how to protect yourself.
• Share cybersecurity tips with your friends and family. Talk to your loved ones about the importance of cybersecurity and how they can stay safe online.
• Participate in Cyber Security Awareness Month events. There are many events happening throughout the month, both online and in person. Check the CISA website and the NCA website for a list of events.
• Use the #CyberAware hashtag on social media. Use the #CyberAware hashtag to find important info and share your thoughts and experiences about cybersecurity.

By taking these steps, we can all help to create a more secure cyberspace for everyone.

For more information during October and throughout the year, follow me at Cyber Solutions Technologies on LinkedIn or Facebook.