Cybersecurity Awareness Month: What It Is & Why It’s Significant

Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) is an annual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. The move is led by the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the United States.

CSAM was established as a response to the growing number of cyberattacks against businesses and individuals, and it is now held every October. The goals of CSAM are:

• To educate the public about cybersecurity dangers and how to protect themselves
• Raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity
• Encourage individuals to improve their cybersecurity

This campaign effort comes at a time when the incidents of cyberattacks are not only prevalent but rising. According to Forbes, the number of cyberattacks in 2021 increased by 15 percent from the previous year.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the process of protecting vital electronic information from unauthorized access or theft. It includes both software and hardware security measures.

There are three main types of cybersecurity:

• Network security
• Application security
• Information security

Network security protects electronic information from unwarranted entry into a network and digital robbery. Application security focuses on protecting the software on a computer or network.

Like network security, information security safeguards electronic data from being tampered with or stolen. This type of security is vital for preventing attackers from taking control of a system and pilfering sensitive data.

Why Is Cybersecurity Important?

There are several reasons why cybersecurity is crucial. Here are just a few:

• Protects businesses from cyberattacks
• Shields individuals from identity theft and other online crimes
• Helps to ensure the safety of critical infrastructure
• Helps to safeguard national security
• Is important for the economy

Considering how digitized many aspects of daily life have become, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Enterprises of all sizes should be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their data and systems.

What Are Some Cybersecurity Threats?

Cybersecurity threats exist in many forms, including but not limited to:

• Malware
• Phishing
• Ransomware
• Botnets
• SQL injection
• Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks

Each of these dangers is serious and can have devastating consequences, which is why it’s so crucial for businesses and individuals to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves.

How to Improve Cybersecurity

There are many precautionary steps that businesses and individuals can take to improve their cybersecurity. Here are just a few:

• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication
• Keep software up to date
• Install security software and firewalls
• Limit access to sensitive data
• Backup data regularly
• Educate employees about cybersecurity
• Be aware of phishing scams and report suspicious activity
• Invest in top-tier identity theft protection services

To really take control of protecting your online identity, look no further than LifeLock. The identity theft protection company provides Norton Security with their plans to protect your devices and data. LifeLock pricing is competitive, and with the added benefit of Norton Security, you can feel confident that you’ll be protected from the most current online threats.

How to Get More Information About Cybersecurity

If you’re interested in learning more about cybersecurity, many resources are available. The NCSA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency offer a variety of resources, including tips for businesses and individuals. The Small Business Administration (SBA) also provides resources specifically for small businesses.

Take Control of Your Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks are on the rise, and they’re only going to get more sophisticated. It’s time to get started on taking the necessary steps to improve your cybersecurity before it’s too late.