EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:

As a technology leader, you know that cyber security is a rapidly-evolving area and that there are still many multi-tiered challenges and opportunities ahead. The stakes are high, and security threats are proliferating. As the world becomes increasingly connected, a new level of attention to cyber security and data privacy is needed – which brings us to National Computer Security Day.

National Computer Security Day is celebrated on November 30th of each year. The day began in 1988, before computers became ubiquitous, and serves as a friendly reminder to remain vigilant in regards to cyber threats. Given the recent waves of cyber attacks, the day retains more relevance than ever before. How will you make the most of it?

In this article, discover top cyber security awareness ideas that will enable your organization to more deftly navigate the current landscape, while preparing for the growing cyber security concerns of tomorrow and beyond.

Celebrate National Computer Security Day

1. As an IT or security team, start with patch management. What does your patch management strategy look like? Nearly 60% of data breaches could have been prevented through the installation of an available patch, according to one study. If you’ve skimped on the unofficial time-tested tradition that is Patch Tuesday, prioritize careful patching.

In addition, ensure that your patch management process is organized effectively. Leverage software inventory tools and automation capabilities. While patches require time and effort to apply, the benefits of patching are not to be underestimated. Consider reaching out to partners and vendors to ensure that they also prioritize patching and are not inadvertently placing your organization at-risk.

2. Set up a social media campaign. Create engaging, bite-sized messages about cyber security for your organizational community. Make your campaign human, build enthusiasm and recognize cyber security successes.

In short, your goal is to provide helpful information that will enhance organizational and personal security of those who read your social media posts. Making your messages approachable and unintimidating is a recipe for success.

3. Encourage protection of accounts with strong passwords. As part of your social media campaign or otherwise, inform employees that passwords should be different for each account, should include numbers, symbols and both uppercase and lowercase letters. Also, be sure to share these password tips.

Multi-factor authentication can protect accounts from unauthorized access, and should be in-place wherever possible. Remind people to avoid sharing user names and passwords, and that requests for this information are commonly indicative of scams.

4. Backup essential data. Whether you rely on on-premise or cloud-based storage, minimize potential downtime and deploy a sophisticated backup strategy. Follow the 3-2-1 rule. Reliable backups are arguably worth their weight in gold. They also provide peace-of-mind for security professionals and executives alike.

5. Purchase encryption software. As part of your endpoint security strategy, implement full-disk encryption (FDE) technology. This encrypts an entire drive using the same encryption algorithm, settings and secret key. The secret key is stored on the device itself and is only accessible once a user has authenticated to the system.

Once a user has logged into the system, it is possible to decrypt all of the files and folders on the system. This makes it possible for the system to boot up and provides the user with full access to their files and folders, providing the best user experience.

This Computer Security Day, explore additional ways to keep your people, processes and technology secure. More security insights here. Lastly, get cyber security insights delivered directly to your inbox every week when you sign up for the CyberTalk.org newsletter.