Cyber Security Awareness Month is an annual reminder to ensure your devices and accounts are as secure as possible from cyber threats. Staying safe online doesn’t have to be difficult and there are easy things you can do to protect yourself.
The theme for this year is ‘cyber security is everyone’s business’ - concentrating on how we all share the responsibility and play a part in staying secure online.
There are four actions in the spotlight this Cyber Security Awareness Month:
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) - MFA adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring additional verification, something you know (i.e. a password), something you are (i.e. a fingerprint), or something you have (i.e. a phone). This makes it much harder for hackers to access your accounts, even if they manage to steal or guess your password.
- Recognise & report phishing - Be cautious of fake emails, text messages, and websites that impersonate trustworthy sources. These scams often contain harmful links designed to trick you into giving away confidential information. Always verify the source before clicking.
- Install software updates when available - Software updates often include patches that fix security vulnerabilities hackers might exploit. Make it a habit to update your operating system, applications, and antivirus software as soon as updates are available to keep your devices secure.
- Use strong and unique passphrases - A strong passphrase is a long, random combination of words that are difficult to crack but easy to remember. Consider using a password manager, which can generate and store secure passwords for your online accounts, helping you create and manage unique passphrases for added security.
This Cyber Security Awareness Month, and every month for that matter, simple actions like these can make huge inroads to protect your business against cybercrime.
If you're an SMB looking to strengthen cyber security in your business but unsure where to start, efex Managed Cyber Zero is a great option. Designed specifically for growing businesses, it includes Microsoft 365 cyber controls to minimise your risk + device maintenance + end-user support.
Contact our team on 1300 376 247 or email hello@efex.com.au if you’d like to know more.