National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month – Cybersecurity is important because we are all using the internet as an essential part of our daily lives.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month happens each year in October and is an important time to promote online safety. This month, we’re urging people everywhere to learn about the risks they face online and how they can better protect themselves. 

In order to protect both your personal and business data from being hacked, you’ll need cybersecurity tools. These protect your computer or network from being breached. Think of it as an alarm system that keeps your information safe from intruders, malicious software, and other unwanted visitors. 

Wherever you’re using a computer – at home or at work—and even apps on phones or tablets – there is sensitive information like banking information or passwords being stored. You must safely dispose of files and information using professional shredding, hard drive destruction and security software to ensure you remain protected.

At home, cybersecurity is important because we are all using the internet as an essential part of our daily lives. From shopping online or paying bills online, all of this will put you at risk for identity theft if you aren’t careful about what information you share online.

Here are 5 Simple tips for improving your cybersecurity at home:

1. Don’t open phishing emails or click on links in them. 
2. Use complex passwords for each site you visit that include numbers and symbols as well as letters.
3. Make sure your home internet router is password protected and that it’s set up properly so all devices connect safely.
4. Update your software regularly. This helps ensure that you’re protected against the latest threats and vulnerabilities.
5. Keep track of who has access to your accounts and devices, and revoke access when appropriate. This will help you keep tabs on who has access to sensitive information, so you can take action if there’s an issue!

Cybersecurity is also important for businesses. If you don’t have a plan in place for protecting your company’s data, you’re putting yourself at risk for losing customer information, intellectual property and financial records, lawsuits, and worse.

Because cyber-attacks are on the rise, and they’re only going to get worse. Businesses in every industry regardless of size or location should be proactive. 

This month is a great opportunity for businesses to get informed and take action.

Start by educating yourself and your staff on the basics of cybersecurity—what it is, how it works, and why it’s important. Then make sure you’re taking advantage of the tools available to help you protect yourself from cyber attacks before they happen. Creating training programs, work with a trusted IT provider and partner with a professional paper shredding and document destruction company. 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

• What are the Warning Signs of Identity Theft?
• What Are Identity Monitoring Services and Do You Need Them?
• Identity Fraud vs. Identity Theft: Know the Difference