10 tips and best practices for cybersecurity awareness month

Cyberthreats, like phishing or malware, continue to grow in sophistication and frequency. Last year alone, 2023 saw a 72% increase in data breaches since 2021, which held the previous all-time record.

Cybersecurity awareness helps people understand the risks of cybercrime and adopt cybersecurity best practices that protect sensitive data, and hopefully reduce the occurrence of breaches.

Unlike text-based or voice-based authentication, which are susceptible to interception through SIM swapping or other vulnerabilities, application-based authenticators provide a more robust layer of security.

Microsoft reports that 99.9% of attacks can be blocked by multi-factor authentication (MFA).

MFA apps generate time-sensitive codes which add an extra step in verifying your identity, beyond just a password. Apps like Google Authenticator ensure that even if your primary credentials are compromised, access to your accounts remains secure through additional authentication.

Especially on public WiFi, protect your data with a Virtual Private Network. Public WiFi networks are often unsecured, leaving your personal information exposed to hackers. Public networks in cafes, restaurants and hotels are the most common locations for a WiFi attack.

When using a VPN to encrypt your internet connection, you prevent anyone on the same network from viewing your browsing activity, passwords or any sensitive information, ensuring the information you transmit and receive is secure and anonymous.

AI voice cloning is an emerging cybersecurity threat. By using artificial intelligence, speech samples and machine learning, malicious users can mimic a person’s voice.

These bad actors can then recreate speech patterns, making them nearly indistinguishable from the original. Hackers may exploit this to impersonate individuals and bypass security protocols that rely on voice authentication.

53% of adults share their voice data online at least once per week. Most audio can be lifted from publicly accessible websites, such as videos on social media. The more you expand your network and share personal details, the more you may be exposing yourself to risks like identity theft or malicious impersonation.

Even though you may think your device is secure, there are many touchpoints where a bad actor may be able to access your data. Public charging stations have risks similar to the those of public WiFi.

If you’ve ever been on-the-go and needed to charge, you may have used a USB charging station without much thought. These stations can be a hotbed for cybersecurity attacks, as 51% of malware attacks are designed for USB devices.

To avoid these breaches, don’t allow anyone to plug a USB into your phone, and use your own wall plug and cable when in need of a charge. You may want to consider investing in a portable battery to keep your phone charged when in need.

During major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day, online traffic increases. More online shoppers means hackers can target unsuspecting consumers through fake websites, ads, phishing emails and payment services.

These hackers may be trying to steal your online identity. In fact, Cequence, a cybersecurity company, reports that retail cybercrime is up nearly 700%.

During peak shopping times, be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages offering unbelievable deals, asking for personal information or containing suspicious links. Verify the source before clicking on any links.

Shop only on reputable websites that you trust. Look for “https://” in the URL and a padlock symbol in the address bar, indicating that the site uses secure encryption.

Outdated software risks can leave you open to a variety of hacks, including ransomware, malware, data breaches and more. Even in 2024, 22% of consumers still use Windows 7 on their PCs, even though the operating system lost mainstream support more than a year ago.

Keeping your software up to date is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect yourself from cyber threats. Regular updates help patch vulnerabilities and improve the overall security of your devices and data. By applying these updates, you’re helping to ensure your home network isn’t exposed.

The easiest way to stay protected is by enabling automatic updates for your operating system, router, antivirus software, browsers and applications. You’ll know you’re always running the latest, most secure versions without having to manually check for updates.

SafetyDetective reports that an estimated 25% of PCs are not protected with anti-virus software, leaving them on average 5.5 times more likely to be infected. Using reputable anti-virus and anti-malware software is critical. To make the most of your software, run regular scans to reduce your risk of cyber threats.

Set your software to run in the background for continuous monitoring of your system for suspicious activity and threat prevention. Make sure to install your anti-virus and anti-malware software on all your devices, not just your computer.

Smartphones, tablets and even smart home devices can be vulnerable to attacks and should be protected accordingly.

Teaching children about cybersecurity early is essential to protect them from online threats like cyberbullying, phishing and identity theft. In 2022, some 1.7 million children fell victim to a data breach, meaning 1 in every 43 kids had personal information exposed or compromised.

By starting cybersecurity education young, kids can develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

The right cybersecurity resources for kids can introduce key concepts such as recognizing scams, safeguarding personal information and handling cyberbullying. Adults can also learn how to content filter and monitor their kids’ online activity using parental controls. The right foundation can make for a more secure home.

Explore these cybersecurity solutions to keep your network secure.

eero Secure protects your family with safety features including internet backup, parental controls and ad blocking. Additionally, Astound’s Enhanced Whole Home WiFi subscription includes eero Secure at no extra cost.

Building on eero Secure, eero Plus adds dynamic DNS, a 1Password family plan, Malwarebytes protection, a VPN and WiFi analytics.
 
Learn more: Is eero Plus worth it?
 
By integrating with your existing eero system, eero Plus ensures that all devices on your network are safeguarded against cyber threats, making it a valuable investment for those who prioritize online safety.

Secure your home WiFi by encrypting your network with WPA3, updating your router’s software and changing default settings to protect your personal information from hackers. Additional measures like turning off remote management and using a VPN add layers of security, ensuring a safer online experience for everyone in your home.

Setting up a secure guest WiFi network is a smart way to protect your home network while providing internet access to visitors. By isolating guest devices from your main network, you can prevent cyber threats from spreading and keep your personal data and devices safe.

Additionally, a guest network allows you to manage bandwidth and ensure better performance for both your primary network and your guests.

As we head into Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant.

By staying informed and practicing the best cybersecurity habits—such as using strong passwords, setting up secure networks and keeping your software up to date—you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online threats.

This year, take time to implement these practices in your home. Whether it’s securing your home WiFi, using a VPN or teaching your children about online safety, these actions will help protect your data. Make cybersecurity a priority during Cybersecurity Awareness Month to ensure a safe and secure online experience for you and your household.