Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 Promotes Online Security Awareness
Cybersecurity Awareness Month happens every October and this year it is dedicated to promoting online security awareness. The goal is to educate individuals, organizations, and governments about emerging threats, best practices, and data protection and how to better safeguard their digital infrastructure. “It’s easy to stay safe online” is the official theme. The National Cyber Security Alliance and the Department of Homeland Security joined forces back in 2004 and launched Cybersecurity Awareness Month to raise awareness about the significance of cybersecurity.
Every week, they focus on a key behavior to bring awareness to as both individuals and businesses. The first one is enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), which is also referred to as two-factor authentication or two-step verification. This requires anyone logging in to prove their identity multiple ways. You would begin by entering your username, password, and then prove your identity with either a fingerprint or responding to a text message.
MFA makes it extremely difficult for hackers to access your online accounts, even if they know your password. It only adds a second or two to the log-in process and gives you peace of mind that you are better protecting yourself.
MFA can take several different forms including:
- Inputting an extra PIN with your password
- Extra security question
- Code sent to email or texted to your device
- Biometric identifiers like facial recognition or fingerprint scan
- Standalone account approval app
- Secure token which is a physical piece of hardware user must possess
Multi-factor authentication is usually very safe, and it is one of the best ways to keep your data safe. Tune in next week to learn about the second key behavior you should be focusing on to keep your data and business safe!
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