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Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Steps to Secure Our World

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cybersecurity awareness month 2024 Gould

October 1st is the beginning of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This annual event is dedicated to providing cybersecurity education to both individuals and organizations.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month was launched in 2004 and sponsored by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA). This event is a reminder that private citizens and company employees have significant roles to play in safeguarding the internet.

Ideally, everyone should take the trouble to learn how to identify fraudulent emails and text messages. This way, they can be proactive in protecting their electronic devices, avoiding scams and preventing viruses from spreading.

This year’s theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “Secure Our World.”

Four Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online

CISA’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 Toolkit offers valuable guidance on how everyone can improve their digital security. Here are four easy and effective tips to implement right away.

1. Use Multi-Factor Authentication

If you use online services such as online banking or email, multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a highly effective type of security. MFA requires users to verify their identity using two or more methods, such as providing a password and typing in a one-time code (sent by phone, text, or email) onto a computer device’s screen. Using MFA makes it much harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your online banking accounts or to hijack your email.

2. Update Your Software Regularly

Keeping your software up to date is also essential to protect electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, laptops and desktop computers. Ensuring that all your devices have the latest software updates minimizes the risk of criminals gaining access to your private information.

3. Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager

A strong password is your first defense against attackers. Ideally, your passwords should be long, complex and unique for every online account you have. Use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, symbols and numbers to make the password hard to guess.

You may also want to consider using a password manager to store your passwords. Using a password manager will help you avoid reusing passwords across multiple online sites, a common mistake that hackers can exploit.

4. Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams

Be wary of unexpected emails or texts that request personal information or prompt you to click on a link. These emails and texts are most likely to be phishing attempts.

In a phishing email or text, cybercriminals use trusted brand names such as Amazon®, Facebook® or PayPal® to make their messages appear legitimate. These messages may often appear to come from trusted sources, but they aim to trick you into sharing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers.

Be sure to double-check the sender’s authenticity before responding. Be especially careful if the message wants you to act quickly; criminals often want their victims to panic and take action promptly.

Why Cybersecurity Matters for Everyone

For many people, the consequences of a breach can be devastating. Identity theft, financial losses, and the exposure of sensitive information are some of the risks individuals face.

For businesses, the stakes are even higher. A cyberattack can lead to hefty financial penalties, a loss of customer trust, and permanent damage to an organization’s public reputation.

Cybersecurity Programs Offered by the University

For adult learners looking to deepen their understanding of cybersecurity and cybercrime, the University offers multiple academic programs:

For more details about these academic programs, please contact the University.

Amazon is a registered trademark of Amazon.com, Inc.

Facebook is a registered trademark of Meta Platforms, Inc.

PayPal is a registered trademark of PayPal, Inc.

Robbie Gould

Robbie Gould is a staff writer for the University with a knack for creating compelling and effective content across multiple platforms. He holds a B.A. in English Studies and a minor in Marketing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, as well as an MFA in cinematography and film production from the New York Film Academy. Robbie combines his passion for storytelling with a strong foundation in SEO and digital marketing. His expertise in crafting data-driven content has helped elevate brand identities and engage audiences, driving significant improvements in key performance metrics.

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