Cybersecurity Awareness Month, initiated 20 years ago, serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility in ensuring global network safety. In collaboration with organizations like the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), SonicWall is actively participating in this awareness initiative.

Throughout October, the focus will be on four key themes:

Using Strong Passwords: Avoid using common passwords, like your name, pet names, street names, etc. You can use most password managers to generate a complex password that contains capital letters, lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers.

Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA or 2FA): Multi-factor authentication helps protect your account even if your password has been compromised.  Multi-factor authentication will be a text message, email, or phone call with a 6 to 9 digit code.

Recognizing and Reporting Phishing Attempts: With phishing attacks becoming more common, be on the look out for any suspicious looking emails asking for information you were not expecting.

Updating Software : Do regular updates on your systems to prevent any zero-day attacks.

CISA has also launched the “Secure Our World” campaign, emphasizing cybersecurity awareness and encouraging individuals, families, and small to medium-sized businesses to adopt safe online practices. It will encourage everyone to take action each day to protect themselves while online or using connected devices.