Tuesday October 29, 2024: Cyber-Security Awareness Month – Summary and Review
To recap our Cyber-Security Awareness Month: Secure Our World 2024. Four themes this year were highlighted below. If a refresher is required, feel free to scroll through the list and review from this month’s theme on this page. As this year’s Cyber-Security Awareness Month draws to a conclusion, remain vigilant of digital security in social media, web surfing, texting, and email (just to name a few). Awareness does not and should not be only October, but every month of the year.
- Passwords or Passphrases (Use Phrases, Use long passwords, Use unique passwords)
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA – enable in accounts where possible)
- Phishing (recognize fake URL links via email or fake text)
- Software Updates (keep those computers updated when possible)
Thank you for your attention to Cyber-Security Awareness.
Monday, October 21, 2024: Cyber-Security Awareness Month – Week Four – Software Updates
Week Four (4) is Software Update Week.
- Security: https://security.gallagher.com/en/Blog/Why-software-updates-are-important-for-security
- Performance: https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/understanding-patches-and-software-updates
- New Features: https://www.hp.com/ca-en/shop/offer.aspx?p=the-importance-of-updating-your-software-and-hardware-regularly
- Compatibility: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/latest-compatibility-definition-update-for-windows-043f240c-e8c0-961f-cc5d-131e6240eb5a
- Stability: https://www.companionlink.com/blog/2024/02/the-importance-of-windows-11-updates-security-stability-and-performance/
Tuesday, October 15, 2024: Cyber-Security Awareness Month – Secure Our World for 2024
This week’s focus is on Phishing. Be cautious with emails as scammers aim to steal your login credentials using fake URLs, attachments, or requests. Phishing is a common method where hackers trick you into entering your credentials on fake webpages. Check out the handout below from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), National Institute on Science and Technology (NIST), Small Business Associations (SBA), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for more information (simply google these organizations for more tips on phishing).
Additionally, a brief 2-minute introductory video will explain Phishing in greater detail. The video, “Phishing Explained from CyberNews: What is Phishing?” can be sped up using the gear icon on the lower right corner of your YouTube screen if you prefer a faster pace. Rest assured, the URL is real and not a phishing attempt. https://youtu.be/HsUA3tguWZc?si=mdLp8ixDyGvuNko2
Tuesday October 8, 2024: Cyber-Security Awareness Month – Secure Our World for 2024. The Second Week Security Item raises awareness to the companion to strong Passwords. You may have heard that Northwestern uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) through an app on our smartphones called DUO. MFA is where an added security layer is required to verify logins into university systems. Not just for NU systems, other industries use MFA for credential verifications nowadays. The 1st graphic below shows a three-step process similar to NU’s MFA login process. The 2nd graphic highlights the benefits of MFA use. (click directly onto each graphic to enlarge onto your screen)
Zenarmor. “What Is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)?” Zenarmor Tutorials, 2024, www.zenarmor.com/docs/network-security-tutorials/what-is-mfa
Thursday October 3, 2024: October is Cyber-Security Awareness Month – Secure Our World is the Theme for 2024. Let’s begin this month with our Passwords. Click on each thumbnail to enlarge each image – Begin on the TOP LEFT rounded image about the Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign for October 2024.
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