Written by Paul Starr, CEO of SEP2.Â
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Cyber Security Awareness Month 2024
October was National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), a vital period for highlighting the importance of cyber security in protecting both individuals and businesses. As it has come to a close it’s essential to reflect, particularly in my position as leader of a cyber security organisation. Here are some of my key takeaways: Â
1. Increased Awareness
Cyber Security Awareness Month significantly increases awareness, bringing cyber security issues into the mainstream and ensuring that employees at all levels of an organisation understand their role in maintaining security. As a cyber security business, SEP2 treats awareness of this subject as a priority for our team. This month provides an opportunity to engage a broader audience on this topic and revisit some fundamental concepts.
2. Start with the Basics
Although SEP2 are cyber security specialists, not all employees are involved on a technical level and so we must remember that some team members are less aware of security threats. With our recent growth, it’s important to maintain cyber security awareness across our organisation as well as spreading awareness amongst our customers.
As a cyber security professional, I see NCSAM as a chance to promote core security principles. While advanced tech and defences are vital, basics like strong passwords, multifactor authentication, regular software updates, and phishing awareness are crucial. These fundamentals, which were all key pillars promoted during October, are essential for preventing common threats. By focusing on these basics, NCSAM helps ensure everyone understands their role in maintaining digital security.
3. Education and Training
Cyber Security Awareness Month underscores the necessity for ongoing education and training. Cyber security is not a one-time task but a continuous process. Through various workshops, webinars, and training sessions held during the month, individuals and organisations gain up-to-date knowledge on the latest threats and defensive strategies, fostering a more security-conscious culture. Our partner KnowBe4 plays a significant role in this effort and recently released a resource kit for NCSAM that you can find here.
4. Collaboration is Key
Another vital takeaway is the significance of collaboration. Cyber security is a collective responsibility, and sharing information about threats and best practices can substantially boost our defences. This sense of community is essential in building a resilient cyber security infrastructure and is key to how SEP2 approach working with and for our customers. For example, I recently took a trip to Singapore’s International Cyber Week 2024, connecting with cyber security professionals from around the world. I thoroughly enjoyed networking, learning from my peers, and gaining insights into the region-specific knowledge and challenges they are encountering.
5. Building a Security-Conscious Culture
Perhaps the biggest benefit of Cyber Security Awareness Month is the fostering of a security-conscious culture within organisations. By emphasising the importance of cyber security through various initiatives, NCSAM helps promote a mindset where security becomes a natural part of daily operations, rather than an afterthought. Discussing stories and possible attack scenarios can engage people, especially when highlighting protections in the kill chain.Â
There are great resources to help foster this culture. For example, I own a copy of ‘Backdoors and Breaches’, a card game by Black Hills Information Security that helps train teams, encourages non-security staff to think about cyber security, and assesses the effectiveness of current protections.
Cyber Security Awareness Month: Looking Forward
National Cyber Security Awareness Month is more than just a period of awareness; it is a pivotal time for reflection, education, and action. The lessons learned and benefits gained during this month fortify our defences and empower us to face the ever-evolving cyber threats with confidence and resilience.
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