4 Practical Tips (+3 Helpful Resources) to Strengthen Your Business Defenses for Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to prioritize protecting your business from online threats. As cyber criminals get more sophisticated, it’s crucial for organizations, especially franchises and SMBs, to be proactive. This month, we’re focusing on practical tips you can implement right away to enhance your cybersecurity. Let's dive into some easy-to-follow steps from the National Cybersecurity Alliance that will help keep your business and personal data safe.

Increase Protection with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Adding an extra layer of security through Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the simplest and most effective ways to safeguard your accounts. Here’s how you can get started:

• Go to Settings: Navigate to your account’s security settings. Look for options labeled “Account Settings,” “Privacy & Security,” or something similar.
• Turn on MFA: Depending on the platform, it might be called “two-factor authentication” or “two-step verification.”
• Confirm Your Method: Choose how you’ll verify your identity, whether via text, email, or biometric methods like facial recognition or fingerprints.

By enabling MFA, you make it exponentially harder for hackers to access your accounts. A few extra seconds to verify your identity can make all the difference in keeping sensitive information secure.

Three Simple Ways to Level Up Your Passwords

Running out of password ideas? Let password managers do the work for you.

Weak passwords are one of the most common entry points for cyberattacks. Protect yourself by following these password best practices:

• Make it Long: Aim for at least 16 characters.
• Make it Random: Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Or create a unique passphrase using 5-7 unrelated words.
• Make it Unique: Never reuse passwords across different accounts.

Bonus Tip: Let a password manager handle the hard part for you. These tools generate, store, and auto-fill your passwords, so you only need to remember one strong master password.

Software Updates for Maximum Protection

When that software update reminder pops up, it’s tempting to click “Remind me later,” but this could leave your system vulnerable to attacks. Regularly updating software is one of the easiest ways to keep your devices secure.

• Turn on Automatic Updates: Check your settings under “Software” or “Security” to enable auto-updates.
• Install Updates Promptly: For critical updates, don’t wait. The sooner you install them, the better protected your system will be.

Not only do updates patch security holes, but they also fix bugs, improve performance, and introduce new features.

Cybersecurity in the Age of Generative AI

AI is revolutionizing the way we work, but it comes with its own risks. Here are some essential tips to ensure you're using AI securely:

• Mind Your Inputs: Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential information with AI systems. If you wouldn’t post it online, don’t share it with an AI tool.
• Be Privacy Aware: AI models often pull data from the web. Be cautious about what you share publicly, as it could end up being used by AI technologies.

• Stay Vigilant: Cybercriminals are also leveraging AI, using tactics like deepfakes to trick victims. Ensure you’re following the core cybersecurity practices: strong passwords, MFA, software updates, and reporting phishing attempts.

While AI can be a valuable tool, remember it’s not a replacement for human judgment and expertise.

Reporting Cybercrime: Know What Steps to Take

In the event of a cyberattack, timely reporting can make all the difference. Learn how to report cybercrime with this helpful Reporting Cyber Crime Tip Sheet. This guide outlines the steps to take if you or your business become a victim, ensuring you act quickly and effectively to minimize the damage.

3 Additional Tips and Resources for Franchises and SMBs

• For franchises and small-to-medium businesses, cybersecurity is particularly critical as they are often targeted by cybercriminals. Check out our blog post, Secure Your Future: Top Cybersecurity Tips for Franchises and SMBs, for more insights on how to safeguard your business.

• Each year, the National Cybersecurity Alliance releases research to better understand the public’s security behavior and to act as a call to action for better secure habits online. It includes comprehensive insights into the public’s perception of cybersecurity. Get the Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report here.

Base: US, Canada, UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and India. Total number of participants with generation information who use AI tools at work: 1862 (age 18+). Dates conducted: March 6, 2024 - April 22, 2024.?

• Looking for even more ways to safeguard your digital life? Check out the Consumer Reports Security Planner, a free, easy-to-use tool that offers personalized cybersecurity recommendations. Whether you're a small business owner or simply looking to protect your personal accounts, this planner provides tailored advice on everything from secure browsing to password management, ensuring you take the right steps to stay protected.

Small Actions, Big Impact

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. Implementing these straightforward tips can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a cyberattack. Let’s all take time this Cybersecurity Awareness Month to assess our security habits and make the necessary improvements. Share these practices with your teams, clients, and networks to ensure everyone is staying secure.

Stay safe online!

Cybersecurity Starts Now

Turn your tech from a potential risk into a reliable defense. Follow Maven IT on LinkedIn or visit our website to learn how to protect your business with the right defenses in place this Cybersecurity Awareness Month.