Cyber Security Awareness Month - October 2024

Creating, storing, and remembering passwords can be a pain for all of us online, but the truth is that passwords are your first line of defense against cybercriminals and data breaches. Also, it has never been easier to maintain your passwords with free, simple-to-use password managers. With a few moments of forethought today, you can stay safe online for years to come.

 

• Your email password should be strong and different from all your other passwords. In fact, all your accounts should have different passwords. This is where a password manager comes in handy.
• Combining 3 random words that each mean something to you is a fantastic way to create a password that is easy to remember but hard to crack.
• Do not use words that can be guessed (like your pet's name). You can include numbers and symbols if needed. For example, “Hippo!PizzaRocket1”

 

Need help remembering all your passwords? Get a password manager or save them to your browser. Although I would recommend businesses use a password manager rather storing in a browser.

 

Many password managers are helpful because they can:

 

• synchronise your passwords across your different devices, making it easier to log on, wherever you are, and whatever you’re using

• help spot fake websites, which will protect you from phishing attacks

• let you know if you’re re-using the same password across different accounts

• notify you if your password appears within a known data breach so you know if you need to change it

• work across platforms, so you could (for example) use a single password manager that would work for your iPhone and your Windows desktop

Multi-factor authentication is sometimes called two-factor authentication or two-step verification, and it is often abbreviated to MFA. No matter what you call it, multi-factor authentication is a cybersecurity measure for an account that requires anyone logging in to prove their identity multiple ways. Typically, you will enter your username, password, and then prove your identity some other way, like with a fingerprint or by responding to a text message.  

The signs can be subtle, but once you recognize a phishing attempt you can avoid falling for it. Before clicking any links or downloading attachments, take a few seconds and ensure the email looks legitimate.

Every day, software and app developers focus on keeping their users and products secure. They’re constantly looking for clues that hackers are trying to break into their systems, or they are searching for holes where cybercriminals could sneak in, even if they’ve never been breached before. To fix these issues and improve security for everyone who uses their services, upstanding software companies release regular updates. 

If you install the latest updates for devices, software, and apps, not only are you getting the best security available, but you also ensure that you get access to the latest features and upgrades. However, you can only benefit if you update! Don’t fret, updating software is easy, and you can even make it automatic.   

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