As Albert Einstein said, “The world is a dangerous place…” and the same holds true for the Internet and the importance of Cybersecurity. In some form or another, we are all connected to the internet, whether it’s via our smartphones or the computer by which you are reading this blog. It is very important to keep in mind, that with this connection, comes the responsibility to stay safe and protect what is important. For the 17th year in a row, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency has dubbed October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our Nation, ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online. 
There is no magic word to keep you safe online and no silver bullet that will keep the monster at bay. It is important to be mindful of what websites you visit and emails you interact with. The malicious attackers have all the time in the world to craft fake websites and phishing emails all in an effort to trick people into handing over credentials so that they can then sell those on the dark web or even elevate their attack to the next level. Refer to this document from the CISA for a more in-depth look at email & web security. 
For some people simply talking about passwords is just as vile as talking about politics or religion at a large family gathering, but password safety needs to be openly discussed with friends & family. Using the same password over multiple sites has just as much security risk as using a unique simple password for each site. Follow these tips from the CISA on how to create & manage passwords. 
Take a moment and count the number of connected devices in your house: computers, tablets, smart outlets, etc. You might be surprised how quickly they add up. Be aware not only of the devices that improve your quality of life (smart outlets & lights) but also the toys your children may have that connect to an internet-based app. A Malicious attacker can hijack these devices If the accounts you linked them have been compromised. They can then determine if you are at home or on vacation and make plans accordingly. Use these 5 steps to protect your digital home. It is not a coincidence that October was picked to be NCSAM since it is considered to be the spookiest month of the year. Cybersecurity is not just a term for those in IT (Information Technology) team, it is also for each person to know and have a basic understanding of. Use the rest of this month to take inventory of your online identities and your internet-connected devices at home. If you have any questions or comments regarding Cybersecurity and protecting your organization, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us and feel free to connect on LinkedIn and Twitter!
