National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2019

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2019

So, I ended up posting this much later than I anticipated. I originally had it ready for October. However, I had to make some final edits and had to delay it. None the less, here it is a month later!

Cyber security awareness month is coming up real soon. In October, it is nationally known as cyber security month. Many security leaders present important security topics. This is also a time where many companies, government units and various organizations educate their members on cyber security. Many hold training workshops, lectures and send out updates to their workers.

I’d like to highlight some key points that readers should try to implement and incorporate in their personal lives and at work.

The US Cert organization has built some excellent cyber security training.

There detailed reports and educational training can be found all for free à https://niccs.us-cert.gov/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2019

Why should I care?

One of the most important things that everyone can learn in this day and age is how to protect yourself from cybercrime. People are scammed daily via cybercrime where they fall for fake IRS/CRA tax scams. And, this includes various other scams that take place as we speak. So for those that wish to learn more about how to protect themselves online should read. And, learn about the different tools and tricks that can better protect them and their accounts/identities online.

MFA (Multi Factor Authentication)

As technology advances and more critical data is stored online. Basic authentication with just credentials (a username and password) are no longer sufficient. As more and more breaches are announced the formula for each breach contains a similar pattern (weak passwords). Now with MFA slowly starting to be rolled out at various social media sites and other vendors. There are no excuses to not make use of MFA.

You can find more details about MFA -> https://niccs.us-cert.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/ncsam_howtoguidemfa_508.pdf?trackDocs=ncsam_howtoguidemfa_508.pdf

Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are still a “thing” these days, and phishing attacks have not slowed down. It is still an ideal method for criminals to compromise computers and get into networks. As strong as some security tools are out there even the best email filtering systems cannot stop every phishing email. With Phishing emails “Think Before You Act”, is one of the best advices that can be given. As with all emails, question each email especially ones where someone is requesting you to take some sort of action. If something seems out of the ordinary, question it and challenge the request. At the end of the day, a person will respect you more if you question an action in respect to thinking an email may be a possible phishing email.

Internet of Things

Lately there has been a rise in Internet of things (IoT) devices. These devices could be things such as, Newer “smart” Cars, smart appliances, smart watches, smart lighting, smart pacemakers, smart home security systems, Google Home, Alexa, Siri and so on. As more and more of these devices start to come out and are brought by consumer. The higher the risk increases that these devices will get compromised. As of 2019, most of these IoT smart devices are usually not secure. Many times than not most IoT devices have not been security tested. One of the biggest recommendations related to smart devices is to “update” them anytime you see a new update. Most of these updates will contain security fixes and should be applied ASAP.

Can I be safe?

As long as you follow safe surfing habits online, make use of MFA for all your accounts. And, your’ always updating your devices with the latest updates. You should be pretty safe online. The best way to stay secure is to read up and stay up to date on regular security news. Reading just one security new headline a day is a start in the right direction to better protecting yourself online.

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