Support
(587) 745-0366
With our lives becoming increasingly intertwined with the digital realm, the need to protect our sensitive information—both personal and professional—has become a necessity. As we embrace Cybersecurity Month, it’s time to delve into the four pillars of cyber awareness that are crucial in our ever-evolving digital landscape.
In this article, we’ll explore not only why these pillars are essential but also how to implement them effectively. Let’s dive in and ensure you’re well-equipped to stay safe in the digital age.
The Dangers of Forsaking Proper Security Measures
Before we dive into the four pillars of cyber awareness, it’s vital to understand the dangers of neglecting proper security measures. While some may think that basic security practices are sufficient, the reality is that cyber threats are continually evolving and becoming more sophisticated.
Cybercriminals are continually developing new tactics and techniques to breach security defenses. What was considered a robust security measure a year ago may now be a vulnerability, giving access to emerging threats. Without staying informed and proactive, your digital defenses can quickly become outdated.
Data breaches can have devastating consequences, both financially and reputationally. According to the IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average cost of a data breach in 2021 was $4.24 million. Beyond the financial impact, the loss of customer trust and confidence can be irreparable. Here are the 4 pillars to keep you secure:
1. Strong Passwords
One of the easiest ways to increase your cyber awareness is to change your passwords. Weak passwords are akin to an open invitation for cybercriminals. To combat this unfortunate fact, here are some best practices to implement:
- Use a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Avoid easily guessable passwords, such as “password123.”
- Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
- Avoid using repetitive numbers
- Get creative with characters throughout your password
With these implemented, your password will be as complicated as Morse code to a hacker.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Cyber awareness is all about finding ways to keep your data secure. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of authentication. This dramatically reduces the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts. Enabling MFA can be a seamless process and should be enabled wherever possible, including email accounts, social media, and business applications.
Utilize a combination of factors for authentication, such as something you know (password), something you have (smartphone), and something you are (biometric data). Your fortress will be close to unbreakable soon enough.
3. Recognizing Phishing
Phishing attacks are pervasive, oftening exploit human error, and are the reason for 36% of all data breaches. Here are a few ways to make sure you don’t fall into that statistic:
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails asking for personal or financial information.
- Check for misspellings, unusual sender email addresses, or generic greetings in emails.
- Verify the legitimacy of the sender before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
4. Regular Software Updates
Outdated software is a prime target for cyberattacks. So much so that 60% of data breaches were linked to unpatched vulnerabilities. If you want to increase your cyber awareness and stay secure, do it by enabling automatic updates for operating systems, applications, and antivirus software and regularly check for updates and patches from software vendors.
Enact Comprehensive Cybersecurity Solutions at Alt-Tech
In a digital world fraught with ever-evolving cyber threats, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and informed. Alt-Tech is your trusted partner in fortifying your cyber awareness and defenses. Contact us today to bolster your digital defenses, stay safe, and ensure your organization remains resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats.
