Due to an increasingly complex operating landscape ripe with cybercrime, October has been designated as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It is a time to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to learn how to protect yourself, and your organization, from cybercrime.
In the spirit of this important moment in time, below are 10 tips you should think about implementing this month to strengthen your controls.
With third-party vendors comes increased risk of an indirect cyber breach. To protect your organization, ensure that all vendors have either a System and Organization Controls (SOC2) report or a similar certification.
Semi-annual security awareness training can help your staff avoid falling prey to bad actors. Effective security awareness training should educate staff members about potential security risks and provide information on how to respond to and report a potential incident.
An incident response plan should outline step-by-step instructions for employees to follow if they are affected by malware or a cyberattack. It should include who to notify, immediate IT actions to take to mitigate damage and what to do in the aftermath. Once developed, the formal incident response plan should be tested at least annually so that all critical employees know their role, if and when an event transpires.
Traditional authentication usually requires an ID and a password. As its name implies, multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an additional step, such as entering a code sent to a secure device. While it may feel like just another hoop to jump through, MFA provides an additional layer of protection-keeping you and your organization secure.
Life can get hectic, and it can be all too easy to procrastinate updating your system. However, these updates are not to be ignored. They can help patch potential security vulnerabilities that may be exploited by cybercriminals and provide improved security features. As a result, it is a best practice to ensure all devices (phones, tablets, laptops, desktops) have the latest operating system versions and security updates.
Backing up your data regularly can help reduce the ramifications of a cyberattack. This way, if you are hit with ransomware or malware, you will be able to restore the important data damaged or impacted by the incident.
Use strong passwords and avoid using the same login ID and password for different systems. Try to avoid terms related to your name, birthday or anything personal that may be public information. Use a password keeper to remember your passwords.
Phishing scams are one of the most common forms of cyberattacks. These attacks occur when a bad actor attempts to trick an individual into providing sensitive information via email, phone call or text. Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information, so the number you see may not be legitimate. Do not click on links from people that you do not know.
Tip No. 9: enable cyber software
Firewalls and anti-malware software should be installed on all devices used for work or personal use. Often, organizations provide this software for all employees and IT leaders will ensure that business-owned equipment have it properly installed. Per tip No. 5, be sure to keep all software up to date for maximum protection!
Register for security alerts and all corporate (and personal) credit cards. This way, if the card is used to make a purchase that you didn't initiate, you can quickly contact your bank to investigate the matter and cancel the card before more fraudulent transactions are made.
In an era of increasing cyber threats, safeguarding your organization from cybercrime requires a proactive and comprehensive approach. By following the best practices outlined above, you can significantly reduce your organization's risk exposure. Just remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time effort, but rather an ongoing process that requires vigilance, education, and the use of robust tools and strategies.