October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an initiative led by CISA, and at 2W Tech, we know how important it is for manufacturers to keep their operations safe and secure. For over two decades, this month has been dedicated to helping everyone, especially manufacturers, take simple steps to protect their connected devices and systems.
This year, the spotlight is on strengthening the nation’s critical infrastructure, and manufacturers play a huge role. Much of this infrastructure is powered by manufacturing companies and their partners, including suppliers, vendors, and everyone in the supply chain. Each link in the chain matters when it comes to cybersecurity.
This year’s theme, Building a Cyber Strong America, is all about making sure our manufacturing sector can stand up to today’s cyber threats and keep business running smoothly. Threats are always evolving, so it’s crucial not to wait, take one step today to boost your cybersecurity.
As your trusted technology partner, 2W Tech encourages all manufacturers to review their cybersecurity practices, update passwords, train teams, and check for system updates. Every small action adds up to a safer, stronger business! If you’re not sure where to start, our team is here to help guide you.
What is CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency)? As America’s cyber defense agency and the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience, CISA leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to the cyber and physical infrastructure that Americans rely on every hour of every day.
Essentials
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- Watch out for phishing attempts: Phishing attacks remain one of the most common cybersecurity threats. Learning how to recognize and avoid phishing emails helps protect sensitive data and prevents malicious actors from gaining access to your systems.
- Use strong passwords: A strong password is your first defense against unauthorized access. By creating complex, unique passwords, you significantly reduce the risk of breaches and strengthen your overall security posture.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than just a password to access sensitive systems. Even if credentials are compromised, MFA ensures that attackers are blocked from gaining entry.
- Keep your software up to date: Keeping your software up to date ensures you’re protected against the latest vulnerabilities. Updates often include critical security patches designed to address newly discovered threats.
Level Up Your Defenses
- Remember to log & monitor: Effective logging and monitoring provide visibility into your systems, helping detect suspicious activity early. This proactive approach is key to identifying and mitigating potential security issues before they escalate.
- Back up your data: Data backups are your safety net in the event of an attack or system failure. Regularly backing up your data ensures business continuity and allows for quick recovery from ransomware or other disasters.
- Encrypt your data: Encryption safeguards your data by making it unreadable to unauthorized users. Whether at rest or in transit, encrypted data ensures your sensitive information remains secure and private.
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Pro Tip: AI is both the new weapon and the new shield for manufacturers—threatening operations through smarter attacks, while defending them with predictive monitoring and anomaly detection. Stay alert and leverage AI for defense wherever you can.Week 2
The 4 Essentials for Manufacturers:
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Week 1
Why Cybersecurity Matters in Manufacturing:
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