Cybersecurity Awareness Month; A global movement to promote cyber safety online and improving security posture of businesses and Governments.
Joseph Tan ???? ?????
| Microsoft Solution Assessment Specialist @ Microsoft | CC | Cloud Solutions, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Accomplished I.T. Practitioner, Cybersecurity Evangelist |
Do you know the month of October, is observed as the Cybersecurity Awareness Month annually? Not only that, it is not the new kid on the block but has been lingering around for 2 decades!
The initiative, which was launched in October 2004, was born out from a collaborative efforts between the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Their objective was to empower the Americans in staying safe and more secure while on the internet or online, through creating awareness about cybersecurity issues, and sharing best practise of how to stay safe.
Since then, the initiative has attracted attention globally, which grows into a global movements where various countries and organisations, participating and prompting activities, or campaigns on every October of the year. Their intent for such events, remains similar to the objective back then, was to educate everyone the importance of cybersecurity hygiene, and providing tips and tricks on how users can remain safe while on the internet or online.
The theme for this year's Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024, happens to be "Secure Our World", a continuation from the year 2023. Do note that each year, there will be different theme for the Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which essentially still focus on the fundamental best practises, with addition of emerging threats or having specified or tailored messaging to the current cybersecurity landscape. For example, in the year 2020, it is "#BeCyberSmart", the year 2021, it is "Do Your Part, #BeCyberSmart", and for the year in 2022 the theme is "See Yourself in Cyber".
So, what are the four fundamentals’ tips or basic cyber hygiene to keep you safe while online? They are as follow below, where possible, do consider these best practises to protect you and your family online.
Use Strong Password or Password Manager
Turn on Multifactor Authentication
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Update Software
Recognise and Report Phishing
Closer to home Singapore, ASEAN, or the Asia region, where digitalisation and rapid digital transformation adoption rates, the emphasis on cybersecurity is particularly critical. Especially with Singapore's own Smart Nation initiative 2.0 recently refreshed, and the region's push towards digital economies. There is an ever-increasing need for Governments, organisations, businesses to ensure that robust cybersecurity frameworks are in place. It means EVERYONE plays a part.
For Singapore, Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as an important reminder for all individuals or businesses to remain vigilant, especially the evolving cyber threat landscape. One notable event which is held annually in Singapore is the Singapore International Cyber Week (SICW). This is a prestige and Asia's most established cybersecurity event that brings together global policy makers, thought leaders, industry experts discuss and address cybersecurity challenges, since the year 2016.
Such an annual event (Cybersecurity Awareness Month), is not only offering a platform for emphasising the importance of ensuring cyber hygiene is in-check, sharing of emerging cyber threats or advocating a culture (or habits) of being-security awareness. IT is also a FANTASTIC opportunity (imo) to share best practises, whether by attending events (like SICW) or conducting community talks, workshops, webinars or event company training sessions to foster a safer cyber environment for everyone!
Alright, I will put a pause here (for now) and will continue to provide insights into the world of cybersecurity, next week. Signing off for this week…