October marks the beginning of Cyber Security Awareness Month (CSAM) in Australia. It’s a time when individuals, businesses, and organisations come together to enhance their knowledge of cyber threats and take proactive steps to safeguard their digital lives.

The theme for 2023 is ‘Be cyber wise – don’t compromise’.

The 4 Simple Steps to Cyber Wisdom:

This year, CSAM is emphasising four simple yet incredibly effective steps that can significantly bolster your cyber security: (VIEW HERE)

1. Update Your Devices Regularly:

Keeping your devices and software up to date is essential. Updates often contain security patches that plug vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit. Neglecting updates can leave your devices exposed to threats.

2. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to provide two or more forms of verification before accessing your accounts. It’s like having an additional lock on the door to your digital life, making it much harder for hackers to gain unauthorised access.

3. Backup Your Important Files:

Data loss can be devastating. Regularly backing up your important files ensures that even if you fall victim to a cyberattack, you won’t lose your precious data. Consider using both local and cloud-based backups for added security.

4. Use Passphrases and Password Managers:

Complex passphrases and the use of password managers are vital for securing your accounts. Passphrases are longer, more secure alternatives to traditional passwords, and password managers can help you generate, store, and autofill these complex credentials.

 

The Growing Threat of Cybercrime:

According to the latest Annual Cyber Threat Report, cybercrime is on the rise in Australia. Shockingly, cyber crimes are now being reported on average once every 7 minutes, representing a significant 13% increase from the previous year.

These alarming statistics highlight the urgency of taking action to protect ourselves in the digital realm.

Cyber Security: A Necessity, Not an Option:

In today’s digital age, cyber security is no longer a choice but a necessity. The question is not “could I be hacked,” but rather “when will I be hacked?” The consequences of a cyber breach can be dire, including security breaches, data loss, downtime, and ransom demands.

PepNet: Your Trusted Cyber Security Partner:

In this challenging cyber landscape, it is essential to be proactive and well-prepared. PepNet, as your trusted cyber security provider, is dedicated to safeguarding your business, whether it’s large or small. We employ best-in-class products and practices to ensure your operations run smoothly, even in the face of relentless cyber threats.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late:

Cyber Security Awareness Month reminds us that cyber security is everyone’s responsibility and encourages us to take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our digital assets.

By staying informed, and seeking support from trusted professionals like PepNet, we can collectively create a safer online environment for all Australians.

Remember, it’s not a question of “if” but “when” you’ll face a cyber threat, so take action now to stay protected.

 

Simon Bignell

Director – PepNet Technologies