
5 Ways to Strengthen Your Cyber Defenses this Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Oct 30, 2024
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a worldwide effort to bring cybersecurity awareness to all.
Cybersecurity should not only be left to the IT department, instead, employees should be trained in good cybersecurity practices.
Some cybersecurity tips that companies should implement include conducting a cybersecurity audit and enacting routine software updates and patching.
Additional Resources
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/4-things-you-can-do-keep-yourself-cyber-safe
https://www.nationwide.com/business/solutions-center/cybersecurity/train-employees
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-perform-security-audit-comprehensive-guide-kevin-christley-90m2c/
https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/understanding-patches-and-software-updates
Cybersecurity Best Practices to Help Your Business
According to a 2023 report from Verizon, 74% of data breaches include the human element, with people involved either through error, privilege misuse, use of stolen credentials, or social engineering. Cyber threats continue to evolve, making it harder for employees to keep up. Businesses of all sizes are vulnerable to attacks that could compromise sensitive data or disrupt operations. With October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to reassess your organization’s defense system.
We'll highlight five ways that your business can enhance its cyber presence to keep your information safe. From conducting a comprehensive security audit to backing up your data regularly, these steps will stop hackers in their tracks.
Cybersecurity Made Easy
Each step outlined in this guide is designed to be practical and immediately applicable, ensuring you can achieve meaningful improvements in your cybersecurity efforts. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger team, these insights will provide the tools you need to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
CFO found that a whopping 55% of cybersecurity experts have reported increased stress levels due to heightened cybersecurity threats and challenges. Having a strong defense system in place ahead of time can help alleviate some of this stress. By following these best practices, you will not only safeguard your business today but also build a more resilient system for the future.
Why Cybersecurity Awareness Month is so Important
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month first started in 2004 by the Department of Homeland Security to bring cybersecurity awareness to Americans. Since then, it has evolved into a collaborative event that has included other government entities such as the FBI and cybersecurity experts worldwide. Cybersecurity is often thought to be too complicated for the average employee and should be left to the IT department. However, employees are the first line of defense against cyberattacks. It is important that everyone has a basic understanding of online safety.
You don’t need to be an IT expert, but having a general understanding of your organization’s digital environment, such as your network configuration and software usage, will help you apply these recommendations more effectively. Additionally, understanding terms like firewalls, encryption, phishing, and malware will be helpful. These are the building blocks of any cybersecurity discussion. If you're unfamiliar with these concepts, we recommend checking out our Decoding Cyber campaign on our social media platforms.
Breaking Down Basic Cybersecurity Tips
Conduct a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Audit
Before you can strengthen your cyber defenses, you first have to identify your vulnerabilities. A security audit is a checklist of items that will help you identify weaknesses in your system, giving you a clear picture of what improvements are needed. Your audit should evaluate your cybersecurity areas, such as your network, software, and employee practices. Some items you might check off include looking for outdated software, checking for misconfigured systems, and removing improper access controls. Once you have an understanding of your potential risks, you can prioritize fixes and allocate your resources accordingly. For more information on cybersecurity audits, see this checklist.
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Most people know to use unique and complex passwords, however, a strong password alone isn't enough in today's cyber landscape. Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication will add an extra layer of security because it requires users to verify their identity through multiple methods. Typically, MFA will combine something you know (such as a password) with something you have (like your mobile device) or something you are (such as biometrics). When you go to log into an account with MFA enabled, you may be required to type in your password and share a code texted to your phone number. When using MFA, you can reduce the risk of unwanted access even when passwords are compromised. This is especially effective against phishing attacks or account takeovers. You can learn more about the importance of MFA in our blog.
Create Training for Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices
Your employees are often the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Regular training on cybersecurity best practices can significantly reduce the risk of human error that may lead to a security breach. Training should be mandatory to ensure employees know the risks. Focus on educating your staff about phishing attempts, how to handle suspicious emails, and the importance of strong passwords. Employees may not be privy to how some threats target individuals rather than company systems. Training should also cover what steps to take if they suspect a breach, such as sending a ticket to the IT department.
Enact Routine Software Updates and Patching
Outdated software is a huge risk for companies because it is an easy way for cybercriminals to get into your system. Software developers are regularly releasing patches to fix newly discovered vulnerabilities, but it is important that they are promptly applied. A software management system that checks that applications and software are regularly updated is a great tool. This will automate the process to help reduce the chances of human oversight. Additionally, you can find what software is being patched by checking out the National Institute of Standards and Technology's National Vulnerability Database to see what the current known software vulnerabilities are. Total Assure will regularly post highly critical software vulnerabilities on our social media accounts.
Back Up Your Data Regularly
Lastly, it is important to create a system for regular data backups. In the event of a system failure, ransomware attack, or similar, a recent backup will ensure you can quickly restore to normal operations without losing critical data. These backups should be stored securely, ideally in both cloud-based and offline locations. Regularly test your backups to ensure they work and can be restored promptly when needed. Read our Data Backup and Recovery Plan for detailed steps on creating a robust backup strategy.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is an ever-present challenge that demands continuous attention and improvement. As this Cybersecurity Awareness Month unfolds, it’s the perfect opportunity to take proactive steps to safeguard your digital assets. By conducting regular audits, implementing multi-factor authentication, educating your employees, keeping your software up to date, and backing up critical data, you can build a solid defense against cyber threats. Even small adjustments in your cybersecurity practices can make a significant difference. Your digital security depends on the steps you take today.