Everything from national security to our work and social lives is dependent on the internet. Ensuring that the entire online network is safer for us all to operate personally and professionally is a team effort.
This October, Cloudbakers | Qwinix is proud to be an official champion of Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) and sponsor of NCSA & Nasdaq Cybersecurity Summit.
When we do our part individually and at the company level, the entire online space becomes more secure for us all globally.
What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
Cybersecurity Awareness Month was launched in 2004 as a joint effort between the online security industry and the U.S. government. It is an initiative to raise awareness and provide the information and tools necessary to increase cybersecurity at the individual level and nationally.
CSAM is co-led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance. The goals are to motivate individuals to take ownership of their participation in online spaces and promote security practices within organizations.
This year, the theme of Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” The theme emphasizes the idea that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and an individual responsibility. Together we can make the internet a safer place.
What to Expect During Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2021
October 1st is the official kickoff day for CSAM. It’s the perfect time to start getting involved. Mark your calendar for upcoming classes and workshops, like this free online Google Workspace Security certification provided by Cloudbakers University.
Week One
The first week’s theme is Be Cyber Smart and will cover the basics of cybersecurity. There will be suggestions and coverage of best practices to take a proactive approach to individual and organizational safety online.
Week Two
The following week’s theme is Fight the Phish. This week will be all about learning how to recognize and avoid phishing links and downloads online and in emails. With phishing attacks on the rise, awareness, and education around what to watch out for can be a real game-changer for global internet security.
Week Three
Week three is themed: Explore. Experience. Share. This week will focus on the exploration of cybersecurity careers.
Week Four
The last week is all about Cybersecurity First. This final week of CSAM will conclude the month, emphasizing how we can all make security a top priority by taking proactive approaches as businesses and individuals.
Trusted Tips for Better Cybersecurity
Moving into CSAM, there are things you can keep in mind and start doing proactively right away to #BeCyberSmart.
- Always use long, unique online passwords. Remember, length is more important than complexity.
- Update passwords regularly.
- Use 2-factor or multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Don’t trust links and downloads from strangers. Always check emails for anything that looks suspicious before clicking on anything.
- Keep all of your devices and software up-to-date.
- Back up your files, music, and photos using the 3-2-1 Rule. Backing up files to ensure safekeeping involves having three copies of data that is important to you. Store two copies on different media, and one should be stored offsite.
- Check and manage security settings on every new app, device, or account you have online.
- Consider carefully before sharing personal information online.
- Be aware that hotspots and public wireless networks are not secure, so use them carefully.
For more information and to stay up-to-date on all CSAM 2021 happenings, follow Qwinix and Cloudbakers on social media and be sure to check out Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education, and National Cyber Security Alliance.
