--- title: "Cybersecurity Awareness Month: A smarter way to protect yourself online" description: "Cybersecurity Awareness Month: A smarter way to protect yourself online. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this year the focus is on the human element. Here are the key steps you need to take to protect yourself online." image: https://blog.seedspark.com/hubfs/MicrosoftTeams-image%20(10)-1.png --- [![logo-white-2020](https://blog.seedspark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-white-2020.png?width=80&height=80&name=logo-white-2020.png "logo-white-2020")](https://seedspark.com/) [![logo-square](https://blog.seedspark.com/hs-fs/hubfs/logo-square.png?width=55&height=54&name=logo-square.png "logo-square")](https://seedspark.com/) [![Contact Us](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1546797/3ad3da3a-9602-4c46-afb0-274659a1f959.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1546797/3ad3da3a-9602-4c46-afb0-274659a1f959) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-a-smarter-way-to-protect-yourself-online&title=Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month:%20A%20smarter%20way%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online&description=Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month:%20A%20smarter%20way%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online.%20October%20is%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month,%20and%20this%20year%20the%20focus%20is%20on%20the%20human%20element.%20Here%20are%20the%20key%20steps%20you%20need%20to%20take%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-a-smarter-way-to-protect-yourself-online&text=Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month:%20A%20smarter%20way%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-a-smarter-way-to-protect-yourself-online) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-a-smarter-way-to-protect-yourself-online&title=Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month:%20A%20smarter%20way%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online&summary=Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month:%20A%20smarter%20way%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online.%20October%20is%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month,%20and%20this%20year%20the%20focus%20is%20on%20the%20human%20element.%20Here%20are%20the%20key%20steps%20you%20need%20to%20take%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online.) 13 October 2022 Thursday # Cybersecurity Awareness Month: A smarter way to protect yourself online By [Robert Griffin](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/robert-griffin) In: [5-Second Tech Tip](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/5-second-tech-tip) #### *October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and this year the focus is on the human element. Here are the key steps you need to take to protect yourself online. * In 2004, the US government declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Every year focuses on a different theme with the overarching goal of promoting awareness of the importance of protecting ourselves in a digital world. This year’s campaign theme focuses on the human element and actively encourages people to adopt practices that make them part of the solution, rather than the problem.  Technical and administrative measures tend to get the lion’s share of attention when it comes to conversations about cybersecurity, especially in the business world. However, while these measures play a vital role in any security strategy, they are only ever as effective as the people tasked with using them. For too long has cybersecurity been considered a primarily technical domain, when it’s really all about people.  This month, CISA and NCA are highlighting four action steps everyone should take to protect themselves online:  ### #1. Learn to recognize phishing scams  According to Deloitte, [91% of cyberattacks](https://www2.deloitte.com/my/en/pages/risk/articles/91-percent-of-all-cyber-attacks-begin-with-a-phishing-email-to-an-unexpected-victim.html) begin with a phishing email sent to an unsuspecting victim, making it by far the most common form of social engineering. This makes clear the fact that people are almost invariably the weakest link when it comes to cybersecurity. That’s why there’s no substitute for continuous security awareness training. Everyone should learn how to recognize phishing emails as best as possible, and no one should take spam filters alone for granted. If an email or instant message arrives unexpectedly, asks for confidential data, or looks a little off in any other respect, always think before you click.   ### #2. Enable multifactor authentication  Most social engineering scams target login credentials, including usernames and passwords. After all, a strong password is practically impossible to crack using a brute-force attack, so it’s much easier to exploit human ignorance and unpreparedness instead. No legitimate company will ask you to provide passwords or other login information via email or instant message. That said, there are many other methods social engineering scammers use to get this information, which is why you must always have a second authentication method. Multifactor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection, such as a fingerprint scan or one-time security token.  ### #3. Protect accounts with strong passwords  Although no one should ever rely on passwords alone for protecting sensitive apps and data, they do continue to play a central role in access management. The problem with passwords is that most of us have to remember dozens of them for the various online accounts we have. This inconvenience encourages people to use the same, often easy-to-remember password for all their accounts. However, using tools like LastPass password manager makes it easy to use a different, longer, and more complex randomly generated password for each account. That way, if one account is compromised, it doesn’t mean all your others are too.  ### #4. Keep your software up to date  Software update notifications might be tiresome, especially when they interrupt your workflow. However, they should never be ignored, because they often contain critical security fixes for zero-day exploits and other threats. Hackers often target outdated software, which is why you should always act quickly or, better still, enable automatic security updates. Cloud-based apps and services typically don’t need updating on your end, since updates will be handled by the service provider. The same can’t be said of locally installed software, including desktop and mobile operating systems.   SeedSpark provides managed services to bolster your security posture and mitigate the risks to your organization. [Get in touch](https://seedspark.com/contact/) today to get the proactive IT support you need to succeed.  **Tags:** [5-Second Tech Tip](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/5-second-tech-tip) Share: - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-a-smarter-way-to-protect-yourself-online&title=Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month:%20A%20smarter%20way%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online&description=Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month:%20A%20smarter%20way%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online.%20October%20is%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month,%20and%20this%20year%20the%20focus%20is%20on%20the%20human%20element.%20Here%20are%20the%20key%20steps%20you%20need%20to%20take%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-a-smarter-way-to-protect-yourself-online&text=Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month:%20A%20smarter%20way%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-a-smarter-way-to-protect-yourself-online) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-a-smarter-way-to-protect-yourself-online&title=Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month:%20A%20smarter%20way%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online&summary=Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month:%20A%20smarter%20way%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online.%20October%20is%20Cybersecurity%20Awareness%20Month,%20and%20this%20year%20the%20focus%20is%20on%20the%20human%20element.%20Here%20are%20the%20key%20steps%20you%20need%20to%20take%20to%20protect%20yourself%20online.) ### Written by [Robert Griffin](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/robert-griffin) Our COO, Robert Griffin, has a history of success applying analytical and technical expertise while leveraging various technology and cybersecurity solutions to optimize business capabilities and mitigate organizational risks. - [**](https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-griffin-gtcs/) PREVIOUS POST [** Crypto Crash: The Future of Digital Currency ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/crypto-crash-the-future-of-digital-currency) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-a-smarter-way-to-protect-yourself-online#top) Next Post [The Importance of Multi-factor Authentication **](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/the-importance-of-multi-factor-authentication) [Content Title](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/cybersecurity-awareness-month-a-smarter-way-to-protect-yourself-online#) Description ### Search ### Recent Posts [ Building a Resilient Business: Strategies for Navigating Economic Uncertainty ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/building-a-resilient-business-strategies-for-navigating-economic-uncertainty) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Feb 1, 2024 [ Harnessing Data for Business Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Data-Driven Decision-Making ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/harnessing-data-for-business-success-a-comprehensive-guide-to-data-driven-decision-making) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Jan 8, 2024 [ Top Business Trends of 2024: Strategies for Growth and Success ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/top-business-trends-of-2024-strategies-for-growth-and-success) [Chad Jenkins](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/chad-jenkins) Jan 4, 2024 [ Empowering Organizations with CISA's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) Oct 26, 2023 [ Four Essential Steps to Enhance Your Online Safety ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) Oct 19, 2023 ### Popular Posts [ The 8 Best Productivity Tools Included with Microsoft 365 ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/meet_office365) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Apr 21, 2021 [ Bots Are Stealing MFA Codes and Accessing Accounts - The New Cyber Threat in 2021 ](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/mfa-code-stealing) [Samuel Adams](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/samuel-adams) - Nov 3, 2021 [ What is Windows 11 S Mode and Should You Use It? 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While the month might soon be over, cybersecurity issues and threats most certainly are not. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), has taken a significant step in this direction by unveiling the Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Toolkit. This comprehensive resource is designed to empower organizations, IT professionals, and individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex world of cyber threats.   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/empowering-organizations-with-cisas-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2023-toolkit) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&title=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety&description=Whether%20you're%20an%20individual%20looking%20to%20protect%20your%20personal%20data%20or%20an%20IT%20professional%20tasked%20with%20safeguarding%20company%20information,%20there%20are%20fundamental%20steps%20you%20can%20take%20to%20enhance%20online%20safety.) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&text=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety&title=Four%20Essential%20Steps%20to%20Enhance%20Your%20Online%20Safety&summary=Whether%20you're%20an%20individual%20looking%20to%20protect%20your%20personal%20data%20or%20an%20IT%20professional%20tasked%20with%20safeguarding%20company%20information,%20there%20are%20fundamental%20steps%20you%20can%20take%20to%20enhance%20online%20safety.) ## [Four Essential Steps to Enhance Your Online Safety](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) As cyber threats continue to evolve, both individuals and businesses must be proactive in their approach to cybersecurity. Whether you're an individual looking to protect your personal data or an IT professional tasked with safeguarding company information, there are fundamental steps you can take to enhance online safety. Here are four essential steps to consider:   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/four-essential-steps-to-enhance-your-online-safety) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&title=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond&description=As%20cyber%20threats%20continue%20to%20evolve,%20so%20must%20our%20approach%20to%20safeguarding%20our%20digital%20realm.%20Enter) - [**](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&text=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond%20-%20https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) - [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023&title=Secure%20Our%20World:%20The%20New%20Mantra%20for%20Cybersecurity%20in%202023%20and%20Beyond&summary=As%20cyber%20threats%20continue%20to%20evolve,%20so%20must%20our%20approach%20to%20safeguarding%20our%20digital%20realm.%20Enter) ## [Secure Our World: The New Mantra for Cybersecurity in 2023 and Beyond](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) As cyber threats continue to evolve, so must our approach to safeguarding our digital realm. Enter "Secure Our World" – the groundbreaking cybersecurity awareness program launched by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). As we delve into 2023 and look towards the future, this initiative promises to redefine our understanding and approach to cybersecurity.   By [Patrick Kinsley](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/author/patrick-kinsley) In: [Technology](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/topic/technology) [**](https://blog.seedspark.com/blog/secure-our-world-the-new-mantra-for-cybersecurity-in-2023) ## Growth Is Just One Click Away Want to chat? Just share some project details and a member of our sales team will be in touch to learn more about your vision and how we can help!   ##### How can we grow together? 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