Outsmart the Scammers: Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024

October is coming up soon, and you know what that means. It's cybersecurity awareness month. This year's theme is to secure our world, and it's a call to action for all of us. So grab your headphones, settle in, and dive into the world of online safety. Now, I know cybersecurity might sound a bit techy and overwhelming, and I talk about it a lot but trust me, it's crucial for everyone. Think of it as a digital seat belt. You might not always need it, but when you do, you'll be glad you buckled up. This year's campaign is all about raising awareness and empowering each one of us to take simple steps to protect ourselves, our families, and our businesses from those pesky cyber threats.

Transcript

Announcer AI [00:00:04]:
Hey there, tech enthusiasts. Welcome to another sip of tech knowledge on Tech Brewed, your go to spot for all things tech. So grab your favorite mug, and let's dive in together. Cheers to learning something new.

Greg D [00:00:18]:
October is coming up soon, and you know what that means. It's cybersecurity awareness month. This year's theme is secure our world, and it's a call to action for all of us. So grab your headphones, settle in, and let's dive into the world of online safety. Now I know cybersecurity might sound a bit techy and overwhelming, and I talk about it a lot, but trust me, it's crucial for everyone. Think of it as a digital seat belt. You might not always need it, but when you do, you'll be glad you buckled up. This year's campaign is all about raising awareness and empowering each one of us to take simple steps to protect ourselves, our families, and our businesses from those pesky cyber threats.

Greg D [00:01:00]:
So let's break down some key messages and actionable tips that you can start implementing today. Tip 1, use strong passwords. I know it's the oldest trick in the book, but it's still shockingly relevant. Weak passwords are like an open invitation for hackers. Think of them as a flimsy lock on your front door. So what can you do? Create strong, unique passwords for every single account. I'm talking a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. And, please, don't reuse the same password across multiple platforms.

Greg D [00:01:35]:
It's like using the same key for your house, your car, and your office. Not the best idea. Right? If you're struggling to keep track of all those complex passwords, consider using a password manager. It's like a digital vault for your keys. Tip 2. Enable multi factor authentication, abbreviated MFA. You level up your security with multi factor authentication or MFA for short. This might sound a bit fancy, but it's basically adding an extra layer of protection beyond your password.

Greg D [00:02:07]:
It's like having a security guard at your door, checking IDs before letting anyone in. Turn on MFA wherever you can, your email, banking apps, social media accounts. It usually involves a code sent to your phone or an app notification. It might seem like a small hassle, but trust me, it's worth it. Tip 3. Keep your software updated. So we're moving on to software updates. I know they can be annoying popping up at the worst times, but they're essential for your digital safety.

Greg D [00:02:36]:
Outdated software is like a cracked window inviting trouble in. Make it a habit to regularly update your operating system, your apps, and your antivirus software. Think of it as patching those holes in your digital defenses. And tip 4, recognize and report phishing. So let's talk about phishing. This is where those sneaky cyber criminals try to trick you into revealing sensitive information. They might send you an email that looks like it's from your bank or a trusted company asking you to click on a link or download an attachment. Be cautious of any unexpected emails, especially those asking for personal details or login credentials.

Greg D [00:03:17]:
If something feels off, report it to your IT department or the company it claims to be from. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out. Now let's take a quick break from the tips and dive into some eye opening statistics. Did you know that a whopping 70% of people reuse passwords across multiple accounts? Yes. That's a hacker's dream come true, and only 70% of users are even familiar with multifactor authentication. That's the security gap we need to close. And here's a scary one. 1 in 3 phishing emails actually results in a successful breach.

Greg D [00:03:51]:
That's why it's so important to stay vigilant. Alright. Now that we're armed with knowledge, let's talk about how we can spread the word and make a difference. Cybersecurity awareness month is the perfect time to get involved. You can organize workshops in your community, share these tips with your friends and family, or follow the hashtag, hashtag cyber aware on social media. Remember, cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. Let's work together to secure our digital world. And here are 5 valuable resources that can assist people in becoming more aware of cybersecurity needs along with their URLs.

Greg D [00:04:27]:
First up, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, abbreviated CISA, CISA. This US government agency is a primary source for cybersecurity information and guidance. Their website offers resources for individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure sectors. The website address is www.cisa.gov. Next up, number 2, National Cybersecurity Alliance, abbreviated NCA. This is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cybersecurity awareness and education. They provide a wealth of resources, including tips, articles, and videos on various cybersecurity topics. Here's that address, staysafeonline.org.

Greg D [00:05:13]:
Number 3. Federal Trade Commission, FTC. The FTC offers information and resources to help individuals protect themselves from identity theft and other online scams. Their website includes tips on recognizing and avoiding phishing scams, securing personal information, and recovering from identity theft. The website address is www dotconsumer.ftc.gov. And number 4, Krebs on Security. This is a popular blog written by cybersecurity expert Brian Krebs. The blog provides in-depth analysis and reporting on current cyber threats, data breaches, and other cybersecurity issues.

Greg D [00:05:55]:
The website address is krebsonsecurity.com. And number 5. Have I been pawned? That's spelled p w n e d. A website that allows users to check if their email address has been compromised in a data breach. It's a helpful tool for identifying potential risks and taking steps to protect your accounts. That address is haveibenpwned.com. And that's a wrap for today's episode on cybersecurity awareness month. I hope you found these tips helpful and feel empowered to take control of your online safety.

Greg D [00:06:33]:
And remember, it's not about being paranoid, it's about being prepared. Until next time, stay safe, stay secure, and keep exploring the digital world with confidence. And if you wanna learn more about cybersecurity and how you can protect yourself online, be sure to sign up for the newsletter at gregdoyg.com. And don't forget to share this episode with your friends and family to help spread awareness about cybersecurity awareness month, October 2024.

Announcer AI [00:07:00]:
Please come back for our weekly podcast, and please share our site.