Every year in October, the U.S. government and industries work together to raise awareness about cybersecurity during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). This year, the US Department of Homeland Security reports the message is personal accountability and focuses on such key issues as "citizen privacy, consumer devices, and ecommerce security."

In this year's theme, officials have developed three key components to help today's consumers and organizations stay safe from cybercrime:

• Own IT

• Secure IT

• Protect IT

While you may believe you've done everything you can to protect your information, today's cyber criminals evolve as much as technology does so it is critical to stay educated and informed about the many ways you need to defend against possible attacks.

The Cost of Cyber Crime

According to The Internet Society, global cybercrime costs an estimated $600 billion each year but the costs associated with cybercrime are not just in dollars.

Today's Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home, et. al. are at risk of security breaches with the increase in connectivity. While today's new devices can provide us with convenience, they also provide ample opportunities for hackers to break into our daily lives and steal data from right in our living rooms without us even knowing it.

How To Own It

Within the concept of Own IT, there are several ways individuals and organizations can help to protect their data and identities.

Privacy Settings

Be familiar with the privacy settings on all of your devices. Today we are connected via everything from smart phones to laptops and with so many new gadgets hitting the market, there are countless different ways to access your privacy settings. Become familiar with each one and, if you are unsure, contact the manufacturer or talk with an expert on the specific device.

Safe Social Media Posting

Social media reaches all across the globe in a myriad of ways. From TikTok to Facebook and Instagram, there are dozens of social media sites being used by people of all demographics.

These sites can be gold mines for hackers who want to get your information. Be responsible when it comes to social media posts and don't post sensitive information. Experts also suggest using strong passwords/pass phrases and making sure the people you are sharing with, are people you know.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

When we're in a rush, we may forget our phone or perhaps we visit a computer cafe or library to use a public computer. When doing these things, often we compromise our internet security by accessing unprotected networks that are vulnerable to hackers.

You may also risk inadvertently staying logged in to a personal account - whether bank, social media, or other business - allowing someone access to these accounts and/or information. By using your own devices with appropriate security settings, you reduce your risks of cybercrime.

Internet of Things/Smart Technology

Today's homes are increasingly "smart" allowing us to stay connected to home while still in the office and providing us with artificial intelligence and robotics to get more done. And while this can be truly helpful in our day-to-day lives, it also provides opportunities for hackers to create a nuisance at worst, or access our personal lives and information. 

When utilizing smart technology or IoT, familiarize yourself with the product(s) so you can take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your home, and your family.

How to Secure IT

Securing your information is crucial to maintaining a safe online presence. Here are a few ways you can secure your data and information.

Use Strong Passwords

Hackers can easily access your passwords using mathematics and computer programs. Be sure your passwords are:

• Unique to you. Use a phrase or word that you will remember (perhaps a favorite song or movie title).

• Different characters such as numerals, special characters, and a combination of upper- and lower-case letters.

• Different for every account. It is risky to use the same password for multiple accounts.

Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication 

Using more than one requirement to access information is another way to prevent hackers from getting your data. A common example of MFA would be when someone logs into their account on an unfamiliar device and is asked to answer a security questions. MFA is defined as a type of authentication that requires two or more independent credentials from the user.

Exercise Caution Shopping Online

Many people today buy items online, and anywhere money is involved, hackers are bound to follow. Be sure you are buying from a reputable source and do not enter sensitive personal or financial information when you are considering a purchase from an unfamiliar site without first researching to ensure it is authentic and secure.

Protecting Against Phishing

Cybercriminals might use emails, text messages, phone calls, or other means of contact to try to lure you into a scam that can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or both. Be sure you, your family, and those in your network are familiar with what phishing is and things to look for if unsure.

How To Protect IT

Maintaining your online profile is more easily done if you create a routine around keeping things updated and safe. 

Research and Assess Your Digital Profile

When you post something online, it’s safest to assume it's there forever, even if you delete it. Information we post can be a treasure trove for cyber criminals. To find out what kinds of vulnerabilities exist for you online, do a search of yourself.

Experts suggest first running your name through different search engines including Google, Facebook, Bing, Twitter and other sites you may have used. You should also identify any posts that you are tagged in that could be revealing about you and either untag yourself or ask the poster to remove the tag.

Practice Proper "Cyber Hygiene"

Just as with our physical existence, our electronic existence needs proper hygiene. This means incorporating the right tools for the right jobs and maintaining them when needed. 

• Antivirus and malware programs should be reputable and kept updated.

• Do frequent backups.

• Use a network firewall.

• Keep software updated.

• Utilize device encryption

When practicing proper cyber hygiene, make it a point to build it into your routine. Too often, we can become complacent; believing that everything is okay but, just as you go to the doctor for an annual checkup even though you feel fine, your digital presence also needs a regular tune-up.

Physical Security and Cybersecurity Comparison

If you are not sure about whether or not you should be doing something online, consider whether or not you would do it physically. When we are sitting behind a computer screen or flipping through posts on our cell phones, we tend to feel autonomous and safe which can lead to carelessness.

If a stranger came up to you on the streets and asked you where you work, how old you are, and where you have lived in the past, would you tell them? Probably not.

But online, imagine all of the strangers (and hackers) who can go view your public profile and find out these things, and more!

Would you leave your credit card out for all to see? Your birth certificate? Banking information? Of course not. When we share these things online, we are at increased risk of being exploited and having our information, finances, and identity stolen from us.

For individuals, it can cost cybercrime victims hundreds to thousands of dollars and months to recover from cybercrime and research shows more than half of those who lost money, did not recover all of it.  

For businesses with lax security measures, the cost can be devastating. In fact, the National Cyber Security Alliance reported that over half of small businesses (60 percent) that experience a cybercrime, go out of business within six months of the cyber-attack but, alarmingly, most small businesses spend less than $500 a year on cybersecurity.

Whether you are an individual or a huge corporation, this year's NCSAM theme of personal responsibility means everyone should be educated and informed about the countless threats of cybercrime, and the many steps they can take to ensure their online safety.

Cybercrime will continue to evolve as technology does. It pays to stay on top of recent technology news and to incorporate the help of experts when needed. To find out more about the protection we offer, contact us today - or browse our plans.