Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024

08/10/2024

Cybersecurity Awareness Month was first launched in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). As digital threats rapidly increase, this initiative was created to raise awareness among both individuals and businesses about online security threats and to guide them in better protecting their digital assets. Over time, it has evolved into a global event, continuing to promote awareness of information security and cyber threats around the world.

Each year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month revolves around a specific theme, reaching an increasingly wider audience. For 2024, the theme is "Secure the World."

Throughout October, here are some recommendations for how you can make a big difference with small changes:

Tips for Individuals

1. Use trusted antivirus software: Don't forget to use reliable antivirus programs to protect your devices from malware.

2. Create strong and regularly updated passwords: Change your passwords regularly, at least every six months, and use long, special-character-inclusive, yet simple passwords. Contrary to popular belief, overly complex and frequently changed passwords can lead to password-reuse or storing them physically. You might consider using a passphrase approach instead.

3. Use VPN on shared networks: Always use a VPN to enhance your online security on public networks.

4. Avoid suspicious emails and links: Be cautious with emails and links from unknown sources. Increase your awareness of phishing attacks.

5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Don't rely solely on passwords; add an extra layer of security to your accounts with two-factor authentication whenever possible.

6. Increase your awareness of social engineering and phishing: Avoid clicking on suspicious links and stay alert to phishing attacks. Remember, phishing can occur indirectly, such as through impersonation of your social media contacts.

7. Be cautious of phone scams: Don’t trust callers posing as police or bank employees asking for personal information. Official institutions will never ask for information this way. Contact authorities if you suspect anything.

8. Review your privacy and security settings:

Social media and online accounts: Be mindful of the personal information you share and regularly check your social media privacy settings. Policy changes or update errors could make private accounts public.

App permissions: Review the permissions you grant to mobile apps and browsers. Remove unnecessary permissions to prevent data leaks, and be cautious with apps requesting access to sensitive information like location, microphone, camera, and contacts.

9. Don’t delay updates:

Keep devices and software updated: Protect your devices by updating software on your computer, phone, and other devices in a timely manner to avoid newly discovered security vulnerabilities.

Enable automatic updates: If you forget to update manually, enable automatic updates to ensure your devices are always protected with the latest versions.

10. Regularly back up your data:

Use external storage for backups: Regularly back up important documents and photos to an external hard drive or cloud service.

Prepare for ransomware: Test the accessibility and security of your backups to prepare for potential ransomware attacks.

Tips for Businesses

1. Develop a comprehensive cybersecurity policy:

Review security protocols: Ensure all employees follow security protocols, such as strong password policies, MFA, data encryption, and regular security updates.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Implement role-based access control, allowing employees to access only the data necessary for their tasks.

2. Employee training programs:

Organize awareness training: Provide regular cybersecurity awareness training to employees, especially regarding social engineering attacks, phishing, and malware.

Cybersecurity simulations: Conduct simulations to test how prepared your employees are for security threats, using scenarios like phishing tests to identify vulnerabilities.

3. Backup and recovery plans:

Backup strategies: Regularly back up company data and store it both in the cloud and locally, within the limits allowed by regulations.

Disaster recovery plan: Create a detailed disaster recovery plan to ensure quick recovery in the event of a security breach.

4. Monitoring and threat detection:

Set up network monitoring systems: Continuously monitor network traffic and system activity to detect potential threats in advance.

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM): Use SIEM solutions to centrally monitor security incidents in your systems and automatically detect abnormal behaviors.

5. Third-party security:

Supply chain security: Evaluate the security policies of your suppliers and limit third-party access to company data.

6. Regular security audits and tests:

Penetration testing (Pentest): Conduct regular cybersecurity tests to identify vulnerabilities in your systems and quickly address these gaps.

External and internal audits: Regularly review your security policies through independent auditors to identify areas for improvement.

Cybersecurity is not just about technology; it requires cultural change and continuous education. In a world where cyber threats constantly evolve, both individuals and organizations must strengthen their cybersecurity measures and apply them at all levels. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness and take the right steps toward security.

At Barikat, we don't just enhance our customers' security with the solutions and consulting services we offer, we also make them more resilient to future threats. Cybersecurity is not just about technology but also requires cultural change and education. That's why we contribute to building a safer future in the digital world by raising cybersecurity awareness.

This awareness month is the perfect opportunity for Barikat to take strong steps toward excellence in cybersecurity alongside our customers and partners. We are here to safeguard your security in the complex digital world!