We wrapped up Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, but it’s important to keep it top of mind all year. Here’s a review of the essential strategies and insights we’ve shared back in October to keep your business safe from today’s most pressing cyber threats. At Iviry, we believe that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, from C-suite executives to IT managers. Whether you joined us for our recent webinar, “Future-Proofing Your Business: Cybersecurity Strategies for 2025 and Beyond,” or have been following along with our weekly tips, here’s a complete recap of the highlights.
Week 1: Cybersecurity Basics – Laying the Foundation
We kicked off the month by focusing on the fundamentals of cybersecurity, stressing the importance of leadership’s role in building a secure organization. Key takeaways included:
- Understanding Cyber Threats: Cybercrime resulted in $12.5 billion in losses in 2023, underscoring the need for proactive security measures.
- Leadership’s Role in Cybersecurity: By prioritizing security at the executive level, companies can drive a culture of cybersecurity awareness that permeates all levels of the organization.
Week 2: Defending Against Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing remains one of the most effective and widespread methods attackers use to infiltrate organizations. We covered:
- Recognizing Phishing Attempts: Phishing attacks surged by 66% in recent years, highlighting the need for vigilance. Educate employees to spot suspicious emails and links.
- Preventing Social Engineering Attacks: Train employees to verify requests for sensitive information, even if they appear to come from trusted sources. Always be wary of unsolicited requests for sensitive data.
Week 3: Strengthening Security with Strong Passwords and MFA
Protecting against unauthorized access starts with strong authentication practices. During this week, we focused on:
- Creating Strong Passwords: Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols for passwords, and avoid common phrases.
- Implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Even the strongest passwords can be compromised, which is why MFA is essential for an extra layer of security.
Week 4: The Importance of Software Updates and Safe Browsing
We closed out the month with practical steps to keep systems up-to-date and reduce exposure to malware:
- Keeping Software Updated: Outdated software is a common target for attackers. Regular updates patch vulnerabilities and strengthen security.
- Promoting Safe Browsing Habits: Encourage employees to avoid untrusted websites and suspicious links, as these are often entry points for malware and phishing attacks.
