October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time when the public and private sectors collaborate to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. October 2024 marks the 21st annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month, with this year’s theme being “Secure Our World.” This month serves as a reminder that businesses must prioritize cybersecurity to protect company data, safeguard customer information, and ensure employee privacy.

Here are four strategies from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance that businesses and employees can use to stay secure year-round:

1. Use Strong Passwords and Password Managers
   Cybercriminals often guess or determine simple passwords, making it crucial for businesses to require employees to use strong passwords for all work-related accounts. Passwords should be at least 16 characters long, random, and unique for each account. Encouraging or requiring the use of password managers—secure programs that generate and store passwords—can further enhance security. These tools automatically fill in passwords on the web, making them convenient and secure.

2. Implement Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   MFA is a layered security approach that requires users to present two or more credentials to verify their identity. Even if one credential is compromised, unauthorized users won’t be able to bypass the second authentication requirement, safeguarding access to physical spaces, devices, networks, or databases. Businesses should enable MFA on any platform that offers it.

3. Recognize and Report Phishing
   Many cyberattacks begin with phishing emails that trick recipients into downloading malware or sharing sensitive information. Employees should be trained to recognize phishing attempts, which often use alarming language or offer deals that are too good to be true. These attempts should be reported through the proper IT protocols. If a business suspects it has fallen victim to phishing or another type of cybercrime, it should report the incident immediately to its insurance partners and the relevant government authorities.

4. Keep Software Updated
   Regularly updating software is crucial for maintaining security. Businesses should install security updates as soon as they are available to close vulnerabilities and protect against cyberattacks.

Reach out to our team if you have any questions!