National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is in its 17th year and continues to showcase the importance of digital security. Cybersecurity is imperative to everyone, and it helps ensure Americans have the tools they need to stay safe online. Along with these resources, a tool like TeamPassword can help.
What Is Cyber Security Awareness Month?
Launched in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) aims to bring awareness to cyber safety. It started as a program meant to come naturally, similar to changing batteries in your smoke detector.
At the same time, each year, update your antivirus software. Of course, times have changed, and cybersecurity has become more complex over the years. Updating your antivirus software is just the start of being more secure.
Online thefts, cybercrimes, and scams continue to cause damage to everything from intellectual property to bank accounts. These threats are the very reason that Cyber Security Awareness Month continues to be crucial for everyone.
Tips on Being Cyber Security Conscious
Criminals have adjusted the way they try to scam people. Some are so advanced that they can fool even the most advanced user. There are a few tips the FBI suggests you be aware of.
Many people get fooled by scams in their inbox. Always check URLs before you go to one. Common scams include an email stating your account needs attention. When you click the link, it goes to a site that takes your sign-in information.
Also, some scammers use a URL with a slight variation, and the emails often look legitimate. And the best course of action is to go to the site to log in independently from the URL provided.
Attachments are another area criminals use. Verify who the attachment is from before opening it.
Be aware of payment requests from companies, especially those urging immediate action. For phone payments or wire transfers, always pay either in-person or with a two-factor authentication system. Never use the number given to you in an email or text without knowing it is legitimate.
Update Antivirus Software
As mentioned, this is crucial to keep up to date. Always use an excellent program, not the cheapest or free option. Your data and personal files are important enough to protect as best you can. It can mean the difference between being safe and having your information stolen.
This is another area where criminals thrive. Beware of fake or counterfeit products by using legitimate sites. To avoid these scams, use sites that protect buyers, and use a credit or debit card, as it gives you more fraud protection.
You should always read the reviews before you buy. Choosing a reputable business is essential to keep from being scammed. It isn't just individuals who fall for scams — businesses need due diligence as well.
Government Agencies Scams
It is not uncommon for criminals to impersonate government entities like the IRS or Social Security Administration. Some will threaten people by stating they owe the IRS and must pay now to avoid jail time.
The best way to be sure you have a legitimate call is to call the agency yourself with their official phone number. Remember that these agencies do not ask for money or personal information through a phone call.
The Importance of Cyber Security Awareness Month
Cyber Security Awareness Month is important to educate users on how to remain safe. Cyber threats and attacks are commonplace, and knowing how to spot them saves you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
Criminals today are savvy, smart, and have diversity in how they scam others. It takes knowledge and awareness to know how to protect you or your business from falling for someone who is dishonest.
We Keep You Protected
Cyber Security Awareness Month may come once a year, but protection is essential the entire year. Keeping up with the various scams is just a part of due diligence. There are many ways to protect yourself, and one crucial step is a secure, unique password for every electronic item you use.