get cyber safe champion

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month (Cyber Month) in Canada, and as we have in years past, The ITeam is proud to be a Get Cyber Safe champion. We are deeply committed to helping Calgary businesses stay safe online, and Cyber Month is a great time to reflect on how every person has a role to play in staying cybersecure.

This year’s Cyber Month theme is Generation Cyber Safe: Because online security knows no age. Online security affects all Canada businesses and every Canadian individual, regardless of when they were born – which is why every generation is part of Generation Cyber Safe. This month, Cybersafe.ca is celebrating how much stronger each generation can be when they come together to stay safe online. Each week, we will join GetCybersafe.ca on focusing on a different aspect of cybersecurity.

Week 1: The most secure generation

There are certain steps to take to be the most secure generation.

Use Strong and Unique Passwords and Passphrases

Passwords alone aren’t enough, but the right passwords can help prevent cybercriminals from breaching your network. For passwords to be effective, however, they need to be a virtually unbreakable combination of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols arranged in a unique sequence. Swap out “password123” for an uncrackable passphrase like “L9z4rdSt0rm$SilverMountain!.”

Use a Password Manager

Password managers store and autofill your credentials, “remembering” passwords you would otherwise forget. As well, password managers reduce the likelihood that users will reuse passwords across multiple systems or platforms With military-grade encryption, your passwords are locked away from prying eyes.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Two locks are better than one. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than just a password. When MFA is employed wherever possible, breaches become even more difficult for cybercriminals – eliminating up to 99.9% of phishing attacks.

Week 2: The most resourceful generation

Every generation needs the right tools to succeed, especially when it comes to staying safe online. These tools that can help protect you from common online threats:

Managed Detection and Response (MDR)

MDR is a proactive service that has replaced antivirus software. It is more responsive and better equipped to detect threats early. MDR provides advanced monitoring, threat detection, and response capabilities to both businesses and individuals, using technology and human expertise to detect, analyze, and respond to cybersecurity threats in real-time.

Enabling Automatic Updates

Don’t procrastinate when prompted for updates; updates help ensure ongoing protection against current cyber threats. Enable automatic updates for your software, operating system, and apps. Each update patches vulnerabilities and strengthens your defense.

Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

With more Calgary businesses employing remote and hybrid workers, a VPN is essential for ensuring your network remains invisible to prying eyes. A VPN allows your employees to log in with enhanced security from home or a coffee shop, shielding their information from prying eyes.

Mandate Training for all Employees

Every person within your organization should receive cybersecurity training and be made aware of all security policies, from C-level executives to entry-level staff.

This is particularly important when employees are accessing time sheets or work email accounts on personal devices.

A personal device could be the entryway that a hacker needs to access critical company systems because most of these devices do not meet security protocols.

Awareness of strict security policies will prevent mistakes and deter fraudulent activity from insider threats.

Avoid Phishing and Social Engineering Scams

Beware of digital bait. Phishing emails and social engineering tricks can lead you into treacherous waters. Don’t take the bait; stay skeptical of unsolicited messages and always verify the source. Trust your instincts; they’re your best defense.

Week 3: The most social generation

Something all generations have in common is the need to stay connected. When it comes to being online however, there are threats that come with staying social. This week, we’ll discuss how to fight phishing, social media safety, social engineering, identity theft, and the threat of AI-generated content.

Week 4: The most proactive generation

Being part of Generation Cyber Safe means being proactive about your online safety. Learning cyber security best practices and how to protect yourself and your business online, as well as recovering from an attack, is important. This week we’ll go over the importance of backup and data storage, tools for SMEs, virtualization, cybersecurity awareness training, making your business cybersecure, and protecting your business when you have remote employees.

Week 5: The most helpful generation

When it comes to Generation Cyber Safe, that means sharing what you know with your friends, family and colleagues so they can stay safe online, too. This week, we’ll share information from GetCyberSafe about:

  • promoting Get Cyber Safe and Cyber Centre resources
  • how to help others S.C.R.U.B. their devices
  • keeping up with emerging tech and AI
  • sharing what you know with friends and family
  • cyber security awareness training 

Why become a Cyber Month champion?

The ITeam is committed to improving cybersecurity not only for Calgary businesses and our Clients but for every Canadian. We all have a role to play in securing our future. Champions are key to the success of Cyber Month and the Get Cyber Safe campaign.

The best way to raise awareness about cyber security is to have more organizations involved. Being a Cyber Month champion helps show your audience that you care about their cyber security.

How to participate

Participating as Cyber Month champions means that The ITeam will be engaging with Get Cyber Safe’s online campaign and sharing their expertise on cyber safety. We would love for you to get involved to help all Canadians get strong together as one generation. Here’s what you can do to help:

We appreciate your help in helping Canadians get stronger online! If you have any questions, please contact us for more information.

We look forward to sharing insights and guidance to help you become cyber safe this month! If you have any questions, please get in touch.