We are living in a digital age where cybersecurity cannot be underestimated. As our technology advances, so do the potential threats that loom online, making cybersecurity best practices essential. From protecting against cyber attacks to implementing data breach prevention strategies, understanding the top cybersecurity insights is crucial for personal and business security.
Our own behavior often puts us at the greatest risk for cyberattacks and online fraud. Common security missteps include using weak passwords and having inadequate security measures in place, coupled with a mindset of “It won’t happen to me.” Remarkably, these types of human errors contribute to about 88% of data breaches.
Organizations like the National Cybersecurity Alliance and CybSafe are making strides to improve general cyber practices. Every year, they release a report on cybersecurity attitudes and behaviors, aiming to better inform individuals and businesses on how to fortify their digital environments.
This year, over 6,000 individuals from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, France, and New Zealand participated in their survey. The survey explored various aspects of cybersecurity awareness, including knowledge of risks, adherence to best practices, and the challenges people face.
The findings of the report are quite revealing, shedding light on public perceptions and reactions to cyber threats, as well as outlining actionable steps for enhancing personal and organizational cybersecurity strategies. Here are a few highlights from the report.
We Are Online… a Lot
It comes as no surprise that 93% of those surveyed are active online every day. As we navigate the digital world, the number of accounts we manage—and particularly those deemed ‘sensitive’—continues to grow. These sensitive accounts contain personal data that could cause significant harm if compromised. This underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity best practices and the necessity for cybersecurity awareness training.”
“Remarkably, nearly half (47%) of respondents reported having ten or more sensitive accounts online, which increases their vulnerability. The risk is heightened when individuals use the same password across multiple accounts, highlighting the urgent need to protect against cyber attacks and prevent data breaches.
Source: The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2023
Online Security Makes People Frustrated
A majority of individuals (84%) recognize online security as a priority, yet many find it overwhelming—39% feel frustrated and almost as many feel intimidated by the complexity, especially when it comes to implementing Cybersecurity Best Practices. It often feels like an uphill battle against hackers. Just over half of the participants believe that they have control over their digital security, which suggests a significant number feel helpless in securing their online presence.
However, feeling overwhelmed is no excuse to lower your defenses and become vulnerable to attacks. Implementing Cybersecurity Best Practices can effectively secure your online accounts and protect your digital life.
These include:
- Enabling multi-factor authentication on your accounts
- Using an email spam filter to catch phishing emails
- Adding a DNS filter to block malicious websites
- Using strong password best practices
People Need More Access to Cybersecurity Training
Training is a crucial step in minimizing the human errors that often lead to cybersecurity breaches, making Cybersecurity Best Practices training essential. Surprisingly, the survey revealed that only 26% of participants had received any cybersecurity training.
The data further segmented by employment status, indicating that those who are not currently employed are particularly disadvantaged in this area. Even among the employed, there is a significant gap, with just 53% reporting access to and participation in cybersecurity awareness training.
Source: The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2023
Employers have a substantial opportunity to diminish their risk of a data breach by enhancing their security awareness training programs. Additionally, there is a significant potential to extend more training opportunities, especially to those who are retired or not currently employed.
<H3>Cybercrime Reporting Is Increasing</H3>
Over a quarter (27%) of survey participants said they had been a victim of cybercrime.
The types of cybercrimes reported include:
- Phishing (47%)
- Online dating scams (27%)
- Identity theft (26%)
Which generation experienced the highest number of cybercrime incidents? Millennials did. Conversely, Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation reported the fewest.
Source: The Annual Cybersecurity Attitudes and Behaviors Report 2023
No matter where you fall in the generations, it’s important to adopt security best practices. We’ll go through some of these next.
Cybersecurity Best Practices: Online Security Tips to Reduce Your Risk
1.Strong, Unique Passwords:
- Start with the basics. Create strong, unique passwords for each online account.
- Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
2.Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
- Enhance your account security with multi-factor authentication.
- MFA adds an extra barrier to unauthorized access. Even for compromised passwords.
3. Regular Software Updates:
- Keep all your software, including operating systems and mobile apps, up to date.
4. Beware of Phishing Attacks:
- Exercise caution when clicking on links or opening attachments. Especially in emails from unknown sources.
- Verify the legitimacy of emails and websites. Check for subtle signs, such as misspelled URLs or unfamiliar sender addresses.
5. Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks:
- Ensure you connect to a secure and password-protected Wi-Fi network.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions. Unless using a virtual private network (VPN).
6. Data Backup:
- Regularly back up important data to an external device or a secure cloud service.
7. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software:
- Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on all devices.
- Regularly scan your systems for potential threats.
8. Be Mindful of Social Media Settings:
- Review and adjust your privacy settings on social media platforms.
- Limit the amount of personal information visible to the public.
9. Secure Your Personal Devices:
- Lock your devices with strong passwords or biometric authentication.
10. Educate and Stay Informed:
- Educate yourself and your team through cybersecurity awareness programs. This fosters a culture of vigilance and preparedness.
Schedule Cybersecurity Awareness Training Today
Even a basic understanding of cybersecurity best practices can greatly enhance your data protection. Our experts at Cynxt are equipped to offer security training tailored to your specific needs. We’re here to strengthen your defenses against phishing, scams, and various cyberattacks, ensuring you’re well-prepared to handle today’s digital threats.
At Cynxt, we specialize in delivering IT solutions that ensure peace of mind. Contact Us today or call (256) 456-5858 to schedule an appointment. Located at the Shoals Business Incubator in Florence, AL, we are dedicated to helping you maintain a smooth and secure digital operation
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