CSA Month: October 2024
Cybersecurity challenges are escalating as cyberattacks become more sophisticated. In 2023, the theme “Secure Our World” was introduced, emphasising the importance of daily actions to mitigate risks associated with online activities and connected devices.
The 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Month will continue with the “Secure Our World” theme, first introduced by CISA in 2023. This theme underscores the necessity of daily actions to mitigate risks associated with online activities and connected devices. It encourages everyone, from individuals to organisations, to incorporate cybersecurity into their daily routines to foster a safer digital environment.
The Four Key Messages in Cyber Security Awareness
Recognising and reporting phishing attempts
Phishing is still one of the most widely used method of attacking companies. Whether it is to gain access, steal your data or deploy ransomware, attackers send out millions of these emails every year hoping that someone will click on or interact with the email and its contents.
Using strong
passwords
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends using strong passwords to protect your systems and information.
The NCSC’s guidance suggests using three random words to create passwords as you are more likely to remember this without needing to write it down or store it elsewhere.
Multi-Factor Authentication
(MFA)
Multi-factor authentication provides an extra layer of defence against attackers looking to access your systems and steal your information.
Multi-factor authentication comes in many forms including a text message or call to a registered phone number , with an authenticator app, or using a physical token
Regularly updating
software
Companies are regularly breached through the use of out-of-date and unsupported software. Two recent UK examples are the Electoral Commission and a defence contractor, both of whom had sensitive information stolen and have spent a lot of time trying to resolve and recover.
Cyber Security Month cultivates a culture of cybersecurity awareness so that we can make online safety a routine consideration in everyday digital interactions .
Strategies to Enhance Cyber Security in Your Organisation
Policy Management
Companies should establish a robust policy management framework. A comprehensive cybersecurity policy acts as a formal guide, aligning your security specialists and employees on essential security practices.
Incident Response
An effective incident response plan is vital for minimising the impact of cyber threats. This plan should detail procedures for detecting, containing, and recovering from security incidents, ensuring rapid response and minimal business disruption.
Training Programs
Continuous employee education is key to safeguarding against cyber threats. Implementing regular cybersecurity awareness training programs can equip employees with the skills to identify and respond to threats effectively.
Resources and Tools for Cyber Security Awareness Month
Posters and Screensavers
eBooks and Guides
Workshops and Webinars
Get in Touch
Cyber Security Awareness is not just an annual event but an ongoing effort to safeguard our digital universe. If you need guidance, support, or training we can help you create an events schedule and develop organisation specific resources.