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Cybersecurity month: in retrospect

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. John McGrady
  • 436th Communications Squadron

Even though National Cybersecurity Awareness Month ends on the last day of October, we can always learn more about cybersecurity and improve how we defend ourselves against online threats. The weakest part of any cyber defense system is you: the end user. Malicious actors know this and actively target uneducated users; the best defense against those cyber threats is education.

To close out National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, here are some final tips to protect yourself online:

  1. Be mindful of the fact that you are always a target. Even if you’re just browsing YouTube, your data is valuable to everyone, from hackers to multinational companies.
  2. Be intentional about what you click – and what you don’t. Stay away from sites that lack “https” (“s” meaning “secure”) at the beginning of their URLs.
  3. Be aware of who is sending you links. Many people have had their ignorance exploited while clicking internet links. When on a government system, make sure contacts sending you links have been authenticated, and stay away from clicking links in online forums like Reddit or 4chan.
  4. The annual Cyber Awareness Challenge  – the one we all try to complete as fast as possible – actually contains many practical tips and tricks to help you develop solid cybersecurity habits.

Hopefully, the cybersecurity articles published throughout this month have whetted your appetite for more information. For those seeking to learn more, a bevy of print and online resources is available.

The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies is an official government site and a hub of information. It provides resources for integrating cybersecurity into daily life and for those who are interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. Other resources include the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC).

By increasing your awareness of basic cybersecurity measures, you can exponentially reduce your risk of being a victim of a cybercrime. One thing’s for sure: cyber threats to you, your family and friends, your workplace and your home will never cease – So, never stop learning.