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How to Truly “See Yourself in Cyber”: Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2022

This is the latest installment of our Cybersecurity Awareness Month series of blog articles designed to give you helpful tips and best practices to keep your data safe from harm. Previous editions:

This month marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, recognized around the world as an opportunity to raise awareness about digital security and empower everyone to protect their personal data from digital forms of crime.

Now in its 19th year in the United States and its 10th year in Europe, it’s never been more important to pay attention to than now. According to The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2022, 88 percent of those surveyed are connected to the internet on a daily basis and virtually everyone has sensitive online accounts holding personal information. Nearly 80% of those surveyed felt staying secure online was a priority. Yet, 62% of people have no access to even the most basic of cybersecurity training.

It’s no surprise that a recent report on cybersecurity trends from McKinsey reflects the fear that cyberattacks will continue to increase in frequency and impact businesses around the world. According to the report, costs related to cybercrimes will increase 15% annually, reaching $10.5 trillion a year in 2025.

cybersecurity trends
Source: Cybersecurity trends: Looking over the horizon | McKinsey

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: See Yourself in Cyber

At AvePoint, we’ve always said internally and externally that security and privacy is everyone’s job, which is why I’m thrilled that this year’s theme is See Yourself in Cyber. It’s not just the job of Chief Information Security Officers, Chief Privacy Officers, and Chief Risk Officers to ensure we’re safe from cyberattacks; each of us has a very important role we can play.

Enabling Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication is a security measure that requires anyone logging into an account to navigate a two-step process to prove their identity. It makes it twice as hard for criminals to access an online account. When it’s available, such as in Microsoft 365, we strongly encourage you to always turn it on because it’s easy to do and greatly increases your security.

cybersecurity awareness month

Password Security & Management

Creating, storing, and remembering passwords can be daunting, but the truth is that passwords are your first line of defense against cybercriminals and data breaches. Also, it has never been easier to maintain your passwords with free, simple-to-use password managers. This is one of the first steps you can take to protect yourself and your data from ransomware attacks.

Updating Software

One of the easiest ways to keep your information secure is to keep your software and apps updated. Always keep your software updated when updates become available and don’t delay. These updates fix general software problems and provide new security patches where criminals might get in.

cybersecurity awareness month

You can be sure cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to get to your data through software, so updating your software is an easy way to stay a step ahead.

Phishing Awareness & Protection

Phishing is when criminals use fake emails, social media posts, or direct messages with the goal of luring you to click on a bad link or download a malicious attachment. If you click on a phishing link or file, you can inadvertently hand over your personal information to cybercriminals.

phishing

A phishing scheme can also install malware onto your device. This is why educating ourselves and our teams about phishing can go a long way to combat the leading attack vector for ransomware today.

Looking Ahead

Throughout the month, members of my team will go deeper into each topic, providing helpful tips and best practices to implement measures to keep our data safe from harm. Everyone can make a difference this month, even if you just have a few minutes, by visiting the National Cybersecurity Alliance website for ways to participate and support this effort.


To learn more about how we place safety at the heart of our customers and our people, visit the AvePoint Trust Center.

Dana S.
Dana S.
Dana Louise Simberkoff is the Chief Risk, Privacy and Information Security Officer at AvePoint. She is responsible for AvePoint’s privacy, data protection, and security programs. She manages a global team of subject matter experts that provide executive level consulting, research, and analytical support on current and upcoming industry trends, technology, standards, best practices, concepts, and solutions for risk management and compliance. Ms. Simberkoff is responsible for maintaining relationships with executive management and multiple constituencies both internal and external to the corporation, providing guidance on product direction, technology enhancements, customer challenges, and market opportunities. Ms. Simberkoff has led speaking sessions at data privacy and security events around the globe. She was featured in Forbes, writes a monthly column for CMSWire, and was highlighted in the CSO Online list of “12 Amazing Women in Security”. She is a current member of the Women Leading Privacy Advisory Board and a past member of the Education Advisory Board for the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). Ms. Simberkoff holds a BA from Dartmouth College and a JD from Suffolk University Law School. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danalouisesimberkoff/en Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/danalouise

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