October is Cyber Security Month.

Cyber security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices like your phone, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It is also known as information technology security or electronic information security.

That little pocket computer you carry around all day long could become your worst enemy.

According to Kaspersky, Cyber security can be divided into a few different categories.

Network security: Securing a computer network from intruders.

Application security: Keeping your software and devices free from threats.

Information security: Protects the privacy and integrity of your data in storage and in transit.

Operational security:  The processes for handling and protecting data assets.

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity. This is how an organization reacts to a cyber security incident or another event that stops the operations.

End-user education: The most unpredictable cyber security issues are created by people.

Additional information from Kaspersky can be found here: https://www.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/what-is-cyber-security

There are no accidents. If there is a cyber security issue it is because somebody did something on purpose.

I find it very interesting that today the first Monday of cyber security month our big brother Facebook crashed and burned.

The powers that be within Facebook agree that they did something wrong and it’s their fault.

It is known that Facebook has multiple redundant sites to prevent a total failure of the system however, I do wonder why their redundancy systems failed, and I am sure many other people are also wondering.

There are a few things that I do on a regular basis to secure information on my devices.

You can do this also.

1. Keep all your antivirus and malware software up to date.
2. Install a VPN on all your phones, tablets and computers.
3. Use strong passwords, 12 characters or more.
   
4. Do not click on unknown emails or links.
5. Do not give your device to a random stranger to use because they can’t find theirs.

These are just a few of the ideas that can keep you relatively safe and secure in the digital world. But you know these things already.

For more information, I recommend going to the cyber security and infrastructure security agency. The link can be found here: https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month

Till next time

“Be Safe”

#BeCyberSmart