Did you know October is Cyber Security Awareness month?  This tradition was established ten years ago in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center.  This is a great opportunity for the public and private sectors to establish  secure and vigilant infrastructure and to protect IT Assets from Cyber Security Threats.

This initiative places emphasis on the following areas of Cyber Security throughout the month:

Mobile Security

The importance of cyber security in a mobile setting is highly important, no matter where you are or what device you are using.  Business owners should take time to evaluate Mobile Security Policies including Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), Acceptable Use Policies for access to corporate systems and their data from a mobile device.  Mobile data protection including Antivirus, Anti Malware and Mobile Device Management to track, monitor, protect and enforce IT security policy on a Mobile Device.

Cyber Security Workforce

Cyber Security in the workforce highlights the importance of fostering the next generation of workers through education and training.  Cyber attack can come from anywhere in the world, at any time.  As a result, the Cybersecurity workforce is on the defense against elusive Cyber Criminals.  Having a well staffed, well trained Cybersecurity workforce is critical to the fight against Cyber Crime.

Cyber Crime

Cyber Crime prevention focuses on national and local efforts to prevent traditional crimes like theft, fraud, and abuse that can also take place online.  Many of these attacks go unnoticed and unreported.  Malicious software or Malware may be downloaded and undetected.  Phishing schemes to collect privacy data, including usernames and passwords, also exposes your organization’s application and data to Cyber Crime.

Cyber Security Infrastructure

This  initiative highlights the growing intersection between cyber and physical security when protecting IT’s critical infrastructure.  Remember, your network is only as secure as its weakest link, so it is important to take precautions to protect your company from Cyber Crime.

If you feel your Cyber Security plan needs a review, be sure to contact your IT profession for an IT Security Assessment.