The 21st annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month is here. This year's theme, "Secure Our World," reminds us of our critical role in protecting sensitive information. With daily cyberattacks and data breaches threatening our digital world, individuals and businesses must take the initiative to adopt better security practices. As Cybersecurity Awareness Month gets underway, the time to act is now.
Following just four fundamental steps—using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA), combatting phishing, and updating software—can protect valuable assets from the most common threats. When implemented together, these practices create a virtually impenetrable wall around your private information.
Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager
Weak and reused passwords are an open door for cybercriminals. Passwords like "123456," "admin," or "password1" don't stand a chance against the password-cracking software powered by today's fast supercomputers. Over the years, hackers have collected vast databases of leaked passwords, making password-based attacks extraordinarily efficient and effective. That's why short, easily guessable passwords, especially those used for multiple accounts, are responsible for many security breaches.
Why strong passwords matter
Strong passwords add an essential layer of defense and can deter many attacks. Sometimes, a single password is all that stands between a fraudster and your data. When that password is strong, it has a much better chance of protecting your account from unauthorized access.
What makes a strong password?
The best password is a forgettable one – a long, randomized string of characters that look like gibberish.
A strong password:
- Is 12 or more characters long
- Mixes upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
- Avoids dictionary words
- Avoids guessable patterns (like your name or birthdate)
- Is only used once
Routinely creating unique, long passwords can take time and effort. A password generator can instantly create a new password with random character combinations.
The role of a password manager
Keeping track of many passwords can be daunting. A password manager securely stores all your passwords in one place. It generates strong, unique passwords for every account and logs you in. You only need to remember one master password. It encrypts your data, ensuring that hackers can't decipher your stored information even if the servers are compromised. Look for a password manager that offers browser integration, automatic sync, and features that simplify all password-related tasks.
Enable Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Cybercriminals may still find ways to bypass strong passwords, including via phishing attacks. Thwarting unauthorized access in these cases requires multi-factor authentication (MFA).
What is MFA, and why it's important
Logging into a typical account requires one "factor" -- your password. Multi-factor authentication adds another layer of protection by requiring two or more verification methods to access your accounts. Typically, it combines:
- Something you know (your password)
- Something you have (a smartphone or security token)
- Something you are (biometric verification, such as a fingerprint)
In practice, MFA drastically reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Even if an attacker gets your password, they would still need your secondary form of authentication to gain entry. These secondary factors are challenging to impersonate or steal.
Implementing MFA
Many services today, from personal email providers to financial institutions, offer MFA options. Enable this feature wherever possible, including your password manager. MFA apps can generate one-time codes; others send a verification link to your phone or email. By leveraging a trusted device, you always have with you, like your smartphone, MFA makes it simple and efficient to add better security to your online accounts.
Recognize and Report Phishing Attempts
Phishing is one of the most common methods cybercriminals use to steal sensitive information. Phishing attacks often mimic trusted institutions like banks and government agencies or personal contacts like coworkers, managers, and family members.
Understanding phishing tactics
Phishing attacks typically involve fraudulent emails, messages, or websites that trick recipients into revealing personal information like usernames, passwords, or financial data.
Common signs of an attempted phishing attack include:
- Unexpected requests from "trusted" contacts
- Spelling or grammar mistakes
- A sense of urgency, threats, or fear in the message
- Unusual or unfamiliar email addresses
Links that direct you to a website that's slightly altered (e.g., "microsfot.com" instead of "microsoft.com")
What to do when you suspect a phishing attack
Phishing attacks are common in the workplace and at home. Stay alert no matter the device you're using. We may think our data isn't worth stealing, but cybercriminals rake in billions of dollars selling the digital details gathered in common phishing attacks.
It's essential to recognize, avoid, and report phishing attacks. If you suspect a phishing attempt:
1. Don't click on suspicious links. Hover over them to check the URL.
2. Verify the sender by contacting the individual or organization directly.
3. Report phishing attempts to your IT department (if it's a business matter) or phishing-reporting platforms like the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG).
Fostering a cybersecurity-conscious culture in the workplace can help safeguard company assets and avoid costly breaches. Training employees, encouraging best practices, and investing in security tools like LastPass can create a robust cybersecurity framework as business technologies evolve.
Update Software Regularly
Software developers regularly release updates to patch security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, add functionality, and improve overall user experience. Unfortunately, when you fail to update software promptly, cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities to sneak onto your device or corporate network.
Why updating software is critical
Security updates often include bug fixes and security patches for known vulnerabilities. By skipping updates, you're giving hackers open doors to access critical systems and valuable data.
How to stay on top of updates
1. Enable automatic updates wherever possible so you're always running the most secure versions of your software.
2. Check regularly for updates on devices and software that don't automatically update.
3. Update all applications, including browsers, plugins, and mobile apps.
By staying up to date, you reduce your attack surface, making it harder for cybercriminals to breach your defenses.
Secure Your World: A Holistic Approach
October's annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to assess your current online practices and take action to implement new precautions.
Cyber threats evolve rapidly and affect millions of people daily; proactive steps are essential to keep your data safe. You can create a fortress around your digital world by using strong passwords, enabling MFA, recognizing phishing, and regularly updating software. These security building blocks form an impenetrable wall to protect your world from cyberattacks.
And remember that securing your world is not a one-time effort. It's an ongoing commitment to keeping your data—and your workplace—safe from cybercrime.
To get started with LastPass during Cybersecurity Awareness Month, head to lastpass.com.
