NCSAM 2020 Kickoff: Why Cyber Security is More Important Than Ever

How to improve your cyber security for National Cyber Security Awareness Month:

• Increase your awareness of current cyber threats
• Take action with proactive steps to prevent cyber attacks
• Get access to the resources you need to achieve cyber security success

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). At Proven Data, we are joining forces with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) in partnership with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to help you become cyber aware.

As a champion of NCSAM 2020, we are dedicating the month of October to empowering you to Do Your Part and #BeCyberSmart. 

As companies continue to transition their workforce into the work from home (WFH) model, cyber security is more important now than ever. Hackers are aware of this shift and already targeting remote employees and unsecured remote connections.

Cyber crime is not an unsolvable problem. By raising awareness and taking action, together we can make a change in the state of cyber security. 

Cyber security risks are increasing as technology and cyber attack methods become more sophisticated, but awareness about preventing and mitigating attacks is also increasing. 

Cyber security isn’t difficult, but it takes dedication. With the right partner to walk with you, your organization can construct a strong defense. 

By the end of this blog, you will:

• Understand why cyber security should be top of mind in 2020
• Learn how you can improve your cyber security through awareness and action
• Know the next steps on your journey to get cyber secure

Why is NCSAM 2020 important to me?

Technology is all around us. The way we use technology is continually evolving and advancing. 2020 brought changes to how we use technology to work, study and socialize as we learn to navigate the new normal of practicing online safety in the COVID-19 world. The widespread use of various technologies has skyrocketed with organizations transitioning to WFH and schools switching to distanced learning. 

The good news is technology has allowed us to maintain connections and a sense of normalcy in difficult and distanced times, but the bad news is this increased connectivity has increased our vulnerabilities to cyber attacks.

88% of U.S. cybersecurity professionals reported that cyber attack numbers have increased due to remote work according to the 2020 VMware cyber security threat survey. Additionally, the survey reported 89% of organizations had experienced COVID-19 related malware attacks.

The statistics are disheartening, but these problems have solutions. 

At Proven Data, we are all about problem-solving. We want to partner with you to turn your cyber security concerns into confidence. As a provider of cyber security solutions, we have worked with thousands of clients to improve their cyber protection. Each of our clients receive a detailed security preventative resource to help them mitigate future cyber and ransomware attacks. 

While we offer cyber security services with a team of experts standing by to assist you, we are also passionate about educating others to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and the steps you can take today to reduce your risk. 

Next, we outline a simple formula you can follow as you start your journey to becoming cyber smart. 

How can I improve my cyber security?

The first step with  cyber security starts by understanding the pieces of the problem.

Think of it as a math formula (if you love math, great! If you hate it, no worries, we promise this won’t hurt a bit).

Here is the formula for cyber security success:

Awareness + Action = Achievement

Let’s break down the formula to cyber security success a bit further.

To improve your cyber security, you must:

• Be aware of the current cyber threats that you may be vulnerable to
• Be empowered to take action with proactive steps to prevent cyber attacks 
• Be able to access the resources you need to achieve cyber security success

Now that you know the pieces of the problem, let’s dive into how you will find the resources to solve it. 

How do I become cyber aware?

If you’re reading this, you’re on the right track! National Cyber Security Awareness Month is designed to teach people just like you everything they need to know to get started on their journey to getting cyber secure and improving national cyber security awareness. 

Now more than ever, with 42% of the U.S  labor force working from home full time, securing internet-connected devices at home and work is critical to protect personal and professional data. 

We are partnering with the leaders of NCSA and CISA to bring you the cutting edge knowledge, tools and practical guides you need to navigate this evolving cyber security landscape. Our commitment to helping you get cyber aware goes beyond October and NCSAM. 

Simply put, we are passionate about helping people get cyber serious (we even produced a documentary about it). Together with Fmr. FBI Special Agent Patrick Gray of the Computer Crimes Squad, we created Operation Cyber Aware to encourage people to #GetCyberSerious and protect themselves from ransomware and other cyber attacks before they happen.

Cyber security awareness is just the first step, but we are here to walk with you every step of the way. 

How do I take action?

Once you are aware of cyber threats and the problems they can create, the next step is solving the problem. 

This may sound strange coming from a cyber security company but investing in cyber security products and services is not enough to protect you. 

Cyber security products and professionals can help you get secure. But without your help, we cannot fully protect you. The best protection happens when we work together.

We’re not here to upsell you on products that might not fit your cyber security needs; we’re here to partner with you on your journey to get cyber serious and help you discover the resources you need to close the gaps in your cyber security protection. 

With organizations across the country transitioning to a WFH environment, now more than ever, cyber security is everyone’s responsibility. While employers should outline general cyber security protocols for remote workers, it is ultimately your job to safely and responsibly use your internet-connected devices.

Over the next four weeks, we will be providing you with action items to improve your cyber security.

Topics include:

• Top 4 cyber security practices you need to start today
• How to create a more secure remote work environment
• Top 3 cyber security practices to prevent cyber attacks in healthcare
• How to Secure IoT Connected Devices: Cyber Security Best Practices to Protect Internet of Things

Next, learn the top cyber security practices you need to start using immediately.

Want to learn more about how to get cyber secure?

Talk to one of our cyber security specialists today!

Request a cyber security consultation