October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual event to raise awareness on how to stay safe and secure online. With the daily expansion and use of technology, the risks rise as well, making this month very important for raising awareness on how to mitigate threats online. From personal data breaches to phishing attacks, the need for cybersecurity awareness has never been greater.
With cyber threats ever increasing, good cybersecurity behaviors are crucial. Here are some practical recommendations that could dramatically improve your online security.
1. Use a Password Manager and Complex Passwords
Having a different, complex password for each account is vitally important, but impossible to remember for all the accounts we must create. Password managers such as UK CyberCon 2024’s sponsor, 1Password, create and store strong passwords, eliminating the need to remember them. Instead, you only have to remember one. Research the many different password managers available and choose which one works best for you.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA requires login attempts to be verified as legitimate by a trusted device, making unauthorized access a lot more difficult. For UK systems, utilize Duo Mobile. This ensures that, even if your password gets compromised, the attack will need access to your secondary verification before gaining access, greatly increasing your security.
3. Report Attempts at Phishing
Phishing scams have evolved to look legitimate and can be hard to spot. If you receive a suspicious email, avoid clicking any links. Instead, report the phishing attempt to your email provider. Further, you can verify the source through official channels of the organization trying to contact you, rather than the contact info inside of a phishing email.
4. Keep Your Software Up to Date
Outdated software serves mostly as an entry point for hackers. Regular updates of applications, systems, and security software will patch known vulnerabilities, thus lowering the chances of an attack. Check for updates routinely and install them immediately to keep your device protected from these ever-evolving threats.
UK Cybercon 2024
To help prepare the wider campus community, University of Kentucky Information Technology Services (UK ITS) is hosting its annual CyberCon. The event will host a variety of fun activities, educating users of all ages on how to be safe online. There will be interactive games and presentations, along with panel discussions and networking opportunities with professionals in the industry. UK CyberCon will have all the info you need, whether a person is interested in learning how to protect themselves and their family from online risks, exploring a career in cybersecurity, or looking for professional development. This year’s event is sponsored by 1Password, Cisco, Trace3, Converge Technology Solutions, Splunk, Blackwood, paloalto, Arista and University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union.
You can attend UK Cybercon Wednesday, October 9 from 9:30AM – 5:00PM EDT at The Cornerstone, 401 South Limestone Lexington, KY 40508.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month was initiated in 2004 through the efforts of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) with the goal of making people more aware of cybersecurity and its role in their lives and organizations. Over time, this has developed into a global effort with many countries participating to promote safer online practice for all audiences.
