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Cybersecurity Awareness Month - Expert Commentary from Industry Leaders
October 2023 by Jason Kent, Hacker in Residence, Cequence Security
Reaching out to share additional Cybersecurity Awareness Month commentary from Jason Kent, Hacker in Residence at Cequence Security, for you to use in any relevant stories you may be writing. The commentary frorm Jason Kent, Hacker in Residence, Cequence Security
"Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a timely reminder for organizations to revamp their security posture. With this year’s theme, "It’s easy to stay safe online," in mind, individuals can take a few small steps that make all the difference.
Time and again, one of the most critical aspects of account security is overlooked: password creation.
To achieve proper password security, individuals should consider the following best practices:
Using strong, unique passwords for each account is imperative, as cybercriminals often target those with reused or weak passwords derived from a vast pool of compromised userID/password combinations from data breaches.
Avoiding easily guessable patterns like birth years, family names, or sports teams.
Implementing password managers proves invaluable for generating and securely storing complex passwords.
Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) or Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your application and website accounts, requiring an additional authentication step beyond your password.
Having covered what to do, let’s also discuss what you should avoid:
Using a credit card is the safest way to pay online, storing your credit card details in online accounts, though convenient, pales in comparison to the potential risks of unauthorized charges. Taking the extra 30 seconds to manually input your card information during transactions can save you from these hassles.
Equally important is steering clear of "pay me with a gift card" scams, where scammers manipulate individuals through email or phone calls, convincing them to make payments for non-existent computer issues or software subscription renewals. These fraudsters exploit fear and a lack of technical knowledge to access victims’ computers, installing remote access tools and insisting on gift card payments. Tech Support, the IRS, the FBI, the County Sheriff - don’t take Steam Gift Cards as payment.
With these steps in mind, bolstering your online safety becomes a manageable task. By implementing these precautions, individuals can navigate the digital landscape with confidence and enhanced security."
