31 Practical Tips for Cyber Security Awareness Month

Introduction

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, offering a prime opportunity for leaders and executives to introduce fresh ideas and discussions around cyber security.

Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility, yet engaging people in security best practices can be challenging. With the increasing volume and frequency of global phishing and social engineering attacks, every employee’s decisions are more critical than ever.

Here are 31 practical cyber security tips — one for each day of Cyber Security Awareness Month — to help simplify complex security concepts, making it easier for everyone in your organisation to stay secure.

#1 Use Strong Passwords

Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to simplify this process.

#2 Software Updates

Regularly update your devices with the latest software patches to fix security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates to ensure you don’t miss critical patches.

#3 Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Increase your online security by enabling MFA wherever possible. This method requires two or more forms of identification before granting access, adding an extra layer of protection.

#4 Avoid Public Wi-Fi

Avoid connecting to free or open Wi-Fi networks, as they lack encryption and can leave your personal information vulnerable to hackers. Use a VPN if you must connect to public Wi-Fi.

#5 Implement an Incident Response (IR) Plan

Prepare for the unexpected with a well-thought-out IR plan. This minimises damage and ensures swift, effective actions in case of a security breach.

#6 Social Media Privacy

Protect your online presence by regularly reviewing and adjusting your social media privacy settings. Cybercriminals can use personal information from social media to craft targeted attacks or scams.

#7 Use USB Drives Safely

Stay cautious with USB drives, as even seemingly innocent devices can pose security risks. These drives can carry malware that may compromise your system.

#8 Backup Your Data

Regularly back up your important information to ensure it is not lost in a cyberattack. Preparedness today can provide peace of mind during a breach.

#9 Secure Physical Access

Control who has physical access to your equipment and servers. This significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access, protecting your critical assets from external and insider threats.

#10 Mobile Device Security

Protect your mobile device against malware. Use strong passcodes, update your device regularly, and explore additional security settings your device offers. Many devices include security features for when your device is stolen.

#11 Turn off Bluetooth

Turn off Bluetooth when not in use to reduce the risk of unauthorised access. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to access your device or eavesdrop on your Bluetooth communications.

#12 Be Wary of Public Charging Stations

Malware has been found at airport kiosks, public charging stations, and even in the USB ports of hotel lamps. If you need to use a public charger, consider powering down your device before connecting.

#13 Secure Guest Wi-Fi

If your business offers guest Wi-Fi, isolate it from your main network and set usage limits to enhance security. This ensures fair and secure access for all users, reducing the risk of network abuse or potential cyber threats.

#14 Train Your Employees

Equip your employees with the knowledge and skills to recognise and respond to cyber security threats. Continuous training is best practice, ensuring you stay updated with the latest cyber threats.

#15 Use the SLAM Method

The SLAM method is an acronym that helps recognise potential phishing emails: Sender, Links, Attachments, and Message.

#16 MFA Scams

Be wary of multiple MFA requests. Cybercriminals will continuously push the authentication notification that targets your email or phone, hoping you eventually click “accept” to stop notifications. 

#17 Secure Your Home Wi-Fi

Even home Wi-Fi networks can fall victim to cybercriminals. Protect your home network with strong passwords, firmware updates, and router security settings.

#18 Use Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware

Protect your devices from cyber threats by installing reputable anti-virus and anti-malware software. Regularly update these programmes to ensure they can defend against the latest threats.

#19 Monitor Network Traffic

Use tools to regularly monitor your network traffic for unusual activity that might indicate a security breach. Early detection can make all the difference!

#20 Verify Email Senders

Always confirm the legitimacy of emails from unknown senders. Be cautious of misspellings and minor replacements in email addresses that can turn a trusted email into a threat.

#21 Connect with Trusted Contacts

Be selective with social media connections. Cybercriminals can use your personal information or build a connection with you to carry out social engineering scams. Only add individuals and businesses you know and trust.

#22 Be Selective When Choosing Vendors

Evaluate potential vendors by examining their cyber security practices. Ensure they have robust data encryption protocols, stringent access controls, and a well-defined incident response plan.

#23 Encrypt Sensitive Data

Use encryption services to keep your sensitive data safe. These services transform your information into an unreadable format, protecting it from unauthorised access.

#24 Email Attachment Safety

Think twice before opening email attachments, especially if you were not expecting them. Scammers often use attachments to hide malicious content. Verify the attachment’s legitimacy with IT or your supervisor before acting.

#25 Build Trust with a Commitment to Security

Trust can be your competitive advantage. Demonstrate a commitment to security for your customers, employees, and partners. Cyber Security Awareness Month is a great opportunity to communicate this commitment to your audience.

#26 Implement a Zero Trust Strategy

Zero Trust treats every user and system with equal caution. This approach ensures that everyone is on the same playing field, allowing your organisation to create and collaborate with greater confidence that their data remains safe.

#27 Use Caution with Email Links

Stay safe when clicking links in emails. Hover over the link to preview the destination and avoid potential traps. Be aware that some phishing emails can be coded entirely as a hyperlink, causing a click anywhere on the email to open a fake web page or download malware.

#28 Regularly Review Access Permissions

Periodically review and update access permissions for your systems and data. Ensure that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive information, and remove access for those who no longer need it.

#29 Secure Your IoT Devices

Internet of Things (IoT) devices can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Ensure they are secured with strong passwords, updated firmware, and network segmentation to protect your broader network.

#30 Conduct Regular Security Audits

Regularly audit your security measures to identify and address vulnerabilities. This proactive approach helps ensure your defences are up-to-date and effective against the latest threats.

#31 Promote a Security-First Culture

Foster a culture where security is a priority for everyone in your organisation. Encourage employees to report suspicious activities and reward proactive security measures. A security-first mindset can significantly enhance your overall cyber resilience.

Conclusion

In cyber security, there’s already plenty of messaging around fear, uncertainty, and doubt. We believe it’s far more effective to empower teams with simple tools, clear education, and positive messaging. By doing so, we give them the confidence to perform their jobs effectively while protecting valuable data.

Cyber Security Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to reinforce these principles. By implementing these 31 practical tips, you can simplify complex cyber security issues and promote a culture of security within your organisation. A well-informed and proactive team is your best defence against cyber threats.

Need help simplifying your cyber security programme? Book a discovery call and find out how we can support your organisation in achieving effective, streamlined cyber security.