#BeCyberSmart with Microsoft: Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2022

#BeCyberSmart with Microsoft: Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2022

Categories: Cyber Security|Published On: October 31, 2022|4.8 min read|
About the Author

Syazana Khan

A communications specialist and technology wordsmith with over 2 years experience in the IT and professional development training arena.

#BeCyberSmart with Microsoft

“October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and I’m excited about what Microsoft and our partners in the industry have planned to help everyone stay #CyberSmart. 2022 may have offered some respite from the previous year’s rush to enable a remote and hybrid workforce, but the increased use of personal devices also left security professionals with even more endpoints to manage and secure.” 

– Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President, Security, Compliance, Identity, and Management.  

 

Cybersecurity is of the utmost importance.

Cybersecurity is a top priority for businesses of all sizes. Companies are increasing their spending on cybersecurity solutions to protect against growing threats. According to a Gartner study, user spending for the information security and risk management market will grow to USD169.2 billion in 2022, with a constant currency growth of 12.3 percent. The market will reach USD261.9 billion in 2026, with a constant currency growth of 11.1 percent (2021 to 2026). And though spending is increasing, cybercriminals aren’t going to slow down their attacks. The average cost of a data breach increased to USD4.35 million in 2022—an all-time high. With today’s economic uncertainty and ongoing talent shortages, organizations need comprehensive security that allows them to protect all their assets without expending too much.

 

How Microsoft is creating impact.

Microsoft wants to help security professionals protect their employees during Cybersecurity Awareness Month by educating them on cybersecurity awareness as highlighted by the National Cybersecurity Alliance, including making sure people don’t become targets for phishing schemes. The company also provides a variety of resources and skilling opportunities through its website such as an education kit with assets that can be used at work or home when it comes time, shielding oneself from online threats.  

 

It’s up to each of us to #BeCyberSmart 

In 2022, it seems that malware and phishing remain the most common causes for cyberattacks. These two threats have not only remained constant but also increased in popularity over time as a result of new tactics used by hackers to gain access into networks or customers’ personal information such as ransomware services which are becoming increasingly popular among those looking for higher profits without putting themselves at risk from bodily harm due specifically because they require human intervention once installed on someone’s device (RaaS). 

Cybersecurity is a serious issue that we all must take seriously.  

 

Follow these steps to #BeCyberSmart: 

 

1) Addressing the rising ‘Phishing’ phenomenon 

The most recent statistics show that 30% of all attacks in 2021 were due to phishing emails and websites. This is an ever-growing problem with people falling victim each year, but there are ways you can avoid being taken advantage of by these criminals! Terranova’s Gone Fishing Tournament last year showed just how dangerous it really can get when 19.8%. clicked on a link within their fake email or downloaded some malware onto their computer without knowing —14.4%. 

How do we avoid biting the bait? Here’s how:

  • Check the sender’s email address for verifiable contact information. Common phishing tip-offs include a misspelled or unrelated sender address. If in doubt, do not reply. Instead, create a new email to respond. 
  • Don’t click on links or open email attachments unless you have verified the sender. 

 

2) Practice good digital hygiene  

To help keep your devices safe from cyber threats, it is important to have up-to-date software and hardware. You can do this by downloading patches for the appliances you use on a regular basis or installing security updates provided through vendors’ websites automatically; never trust pop ups asking if they are needed urgently (they probably aren’t).  

 Keep your devices safe by:  

  • Enable the lock feature on all your mobile devices. 
  • Activate multifactor authentication on your sensitive apps and accounts
  • Run antivirus software and install system updates immediately. 

 

3) Dealing with Scams  

Criminals will often contact you seeking to “fix” a nonexistent problem. These messages are usually accompanied by an urgency, such as “Act now or your account could get locked!” If this type of email appears on your screen do not click the link in fear that it might infect another vulnerable computer user who has little knowledge about what they’re clicking off their own accord – especially if there is no way for them to return once entered onto another website.  

 A few things to keep in mind:  

  • Be skeptical of unsolicited tech support calls or error messages requesting urgent action. 
  • Do not follow any prompts to download software from any third-party website. 
  • When in doubt, open a separate browser page and go directly to the company’s webpage. 

 

Credit: Sans 2022 Security Awareness Report 

 

4) Strengthen that password  

We all know how important passwords are to maintaining our online security. Unfortunately, the average person has over 150 different accounts on any given day, and this can lead to password fatigue very quickly.  

Keep your accounts safe by: 

  • Use your browser’s password generator to create stronger passwords
  • Avoid accessing personal and financial data using a public wireless network
  • Use a password manager or consider going passwordless

 

Stay cyber smart the whole year-round 

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect time for us all to come together and work on awareness of cyber threats. We know that criminals are persistent, working every day without any days off–that’s why it’s important we build a culture with cyber-defenders who can learn year-round about how they too could be vulnerable in their organizations’ networks or systems if precautions aren’t taken. Let Microsoft Security help you protect your people and data against cyberthreats to give you peace of mind. 

Defend your identities, data, clouds and apps with comprehensive solutions that work together and across environments

 


Security for all. 

Microsoft Security helps protect people and data against cyberthreats to give you peace of mind.

With complex cyberattacks increasing and more employees working remotely, the need for cybersecurity professionals is growing by the day. With the struggle to fill security skills gap, there’s an estimated global shortage of 3.5 million security professionals. To help close this gap, we’re dedicated to getting you up to speed on Microsoft security, compliance, and identity solutions training and certification courses.

 

Explore these resources to learn more about Microsoft’s security, identity, and compliance solutions, click on the banner below to empower your team to keep your data and people safe against increasing threats in the virtual realm. 

 

Secure your organization with Microsoft Security, Compliance and Identity

About the Author

Syazana Khan

A communications specialist and technology wordsmith with over 2 years experience in the IT and professional development training arena.