Since 2003, October has been "National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM)." In conjunction with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA), its purpose is to highlight the importance of cybersecurity.
Cyber attacks on all businesses are on the rise: more frequent, targeted, and complex. Cybercrime, which includes everything from theft or embezzlement to data hacking and destruction, is up 600% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Small to medium-sized businesses are particularly at risk. According to Accenture's Cost of Cybercrime Study, 43% of cyber attacks are aimed at small businesses, but only 14% are prepared to defend themselves.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2022 theme is "Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart". Cyber attacks can touch anyone, and you, as an individual, can take action to protect yourself on the internet:
- Enable multi-factor authentication
- Update your software
- Learn how to recognize phishing and report it as soon as spotted
- Use strong passwords and a password manager
All of those steps can help you ensure minimum cyber security. However, when it comes to businesses and organizations, there's much more at stake, and the consequences of a breach in your safety could be devastating.
Indeed, cyber-attacks disrupt organizations' everyday activities and may cause material and virtual damage, which is very expensive and sometimes impossible to make up for.
At LENET, we strive to offer our clients the best security possible, and cybersecurity audits are available on our website to help you make the right decision.