Today is the start of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) to raise awareness and educate the community about the importance of cyber security. As a DHS Cyber-Security Awareness Partner, and as a National Cyber Security Awareness Month 'Champion,' Virsig, will work to provide public education (internally and externally), and to ensure that more and more people are aware of the dangers online and how to avoid such dangers. Virsig is encouraging participation from their employees, other businesses, communities and individuals, to help spread awareness about everyone’s role in protecting online data. Virsig suggests everyone use a handful of easy but highly-effective online safety practices:
Use all-encompassing security suites that have anti-virus, anti-Spyware, firewall and anti-Spam software & set up your security software so that it updates automatically;
Make a back-up of your data and files regularly to avoid losses if there were a security failure or use an automated online “cloud” back up service;
Require employees to use strong ‘unusual’ passwords and to change them often;
Always use passwords when installing and using wireless routers.
Adam S. Roth, Virsig’s VP of Technology, says, “Unlike other threats currently facing the country, cyber-attacks can have instant, wide-ranging consequences for the nation’s broader national and economic security interests. Small businesses should not feel they won’t be targeted--because in 2012, 50% of all targeted cyber-attacks were aimed at small business.” “National Cyber Security Awareness Month provides common sense defensive strategies that all Americans can use throughout the year,” he added.
