Summary

Cyber Security Awareness Month is an annual campaign held in October to raise awareness about the importance of Cyber Security.

The primary goals of Cyber Security Awareness Month are to educate individuals and organisations about Cyber Security best practices, promote online safety, and encourage everyone to take steps to protect their digital lives.

Why is it so important?

National Cyber Security Awareness Month is more important than ever. Today, employees are frequently exposed to sophisticated phishing and ransomware attacks. More than ever, users are the weak link in your network security, with a stark rise in phishing and cyber attacks.

The National Cyber Security Centre has reported that 64% of companies worldwide have experienced at least one form of cyber attack, and more worryingly 90% of all cyber attacks are caused by human error.

These shocking figures highlight the ongoing threat that organisations face, and the need to ensure cyber security awareness at all levels. The damage one of these attacks can have on your business can be catastrophic!

How can my organisation stay safe online?

Microsoft have reported that if organisations just applied MFA, used anti-malware and kept their systems updated, they would be protected from over 99% of the attacks we see today.  

Here are some top tips you can put into practice, to help your organisation stay safe:

1. Using strong passwords & a password manager

Cyber criminals are able to steal passwords to gain unauthorised access to your systems and data. You can mitigate the risks by choosing a strong, complex password, which will make it more difficult for hackers to guess.

We also recommended that you use password manager that can store, generate and apply your passwords. Using password manager makes it easier for you to have different passwords for all of your accounts.

2. Using multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) is a great tool to ensure that end users have enhanced security of their logins, that go above and beyond the basic password login.

If organisations just applied MFA, used anti-malware and kept their systems updated, they would be protected from over 99% of the attacks we see today. GCC offer MFA to all supported customers for free.

Take a look at our blog, which explains how to set up MFA – This option includes receiving verification code texts or phone calls via a specified phone number, using an Authenticator application and lastly if set up, using an application password.

3. Learning how to recognise and report phishing attacks

Phishing emails aim to trick you into providing cyber criminals with sensitive information, or doing something that will help the attackers to get access to your data or systems.

Organisations need to ensure their employees understand the mechanisms of spam, phishing, spear phishing, malware, ransomware and social engineering. Then, they need to encourage and support employees in applying this knowledge in their day-to-day job.

With Security Awareness Training your business can help create a ‘Human Firewall’ which can protect against malicious emails.

To request a demo or to learn more about the Cyber Security awareness training solutions that GCC offer, get in touch.

4. Keep your software up to date

It is important that the software you are using is kept up to date. Staying updated means that you’ll be less vulnerable to malicious cyber attacks and exploitation.

Installing patches released by the software developers is the best way to keep your software up to date. Patches will fix known flaws in products that cyber criminals can use to compromise your devices and new security features make it harder for attackers to successfully compromise your devices.

GCC’s skilled experts will work with you to ensure your team makes all the necessary preparations to stay safe and be more resilient in the event of technical problems.

Further Information

If you have any questions about this or need assistance, then please contact the GCC Group Support Team on 0345 260 1151 or servicedesk@gccgroup.co.uk

Supporting your organisation to stay safe online

Check out GCC’s Security Awareness blogs, all including hints & tips for staying safe, and enhancing your security knowledge:

• 12 tips for protecting your data and internet-connected devices

• 7 ways to protect yourself from phishing

• 5 tell-tale signs of a tech support scam

• Securing the sign-in process

Contact the GCC Team, if you would like to discuss your security needs in more detail.

GCC Security Services

The threats to businesses are not only increasing in number, but also in sophistication. GCC Security Services ensures your business is protected and can stay productive no matter what happens.