Cyber Security Awareness Month 2023
Every October, we celebrate Cyber Security Awareness Month, however, 2023 marks the 20th year since it was created.
Cyber Security Awareness Month 2023
As it says in the name, October is all about spreading awareness about the importance of cyber security, for both within personal and business environments.
This year is all about focussing on the main key cyber security practises:
1. The use of Multi-Factor Authentication
The first key behaviour to focus on throughout the month is using Multi-Factor Authentication (2fa).
Multi-Factor Authentication is used to add an extra layer of security to applications and websites you log into. It requires a second level of authentication which is usually performed using a smartphone or hardware key as well as the original password. The account owner will have to verify if it’s them, each time a login is attempted.
If you’re not already using Multi-Factor Authentication, it’s a must. You can learn more about the importance of it here.
2. Using Strong Passwords and Password Managers
We all know it’s important to have good, strong and lengthy passwords. It’s also important that you’re not using the same password for more than one account.
Many people worry that they can’t keep track of all their passwords if they’re complex and all different, this is where the use of password managers come in.
Password managers are a way to store all your passwords which you use online. You can store information such as your login details instead of needing to remember every password for every website you log into. Many password manager also auto-fill details when logging in, making the process much quicker and easier.
You can learn more about password managers and which one we recommend here.
3. Software Updates
Whether it’s an update for your mobile device, a computer or just an application, it’s crucial that you keep everything updated.
Many updates get released for security reasons. They’re essentially patches, that get sent out to make sure there are no security flaws in the device or application. By ignoring these updates, you’re at higher risk of a hackers attack.
4. Identifying a Phishing Scam
Phishing is a form of scam used to elicit personal information, steal money or install viruses onto your device. A phishing email is designed to imitate an email from a real person or company e.g. a bank or delivery company.
Most phishing emails are made to sound urgent, asking you to click a link and enter information (such as a password or card details) or make a payment. If you follow the instructions, the scammers then have your information or money and can use it to their advantage.
It’s incredibly important to be able to spot one of these scams. Even if you’re aware of phishing attacks, take a look at our guide to becoming a pro at avoiding phishing emails.
Never get caught out by a phishing scam again
At Reformed IT, Our clients receieve cyber security training, to make sure they never get caught out by a scam.Take a look at how Cyber Secuirty training can help your employees.
Interested in what else our IT Support package includes?
There are many reasons that IT support with Reformed IT is a great choice for your business or organisation. If you choose Reformed IT for your IT support, you'll receive all these benefits including help from members of our experienced team when needed.
Unlimited IT Support
We provide fully inclusive, onsite and remote IT support. In addition to that, it won't cost you extra for an engineer to attend your site to resolve a technical issue.
Device Status Monitoring
When we take on your IT support, we deploy our monitoring agent onto all devices and servers. This alerts us to any issues which you may be unaware of.
Data Breach Monitoring
There are over 8 billion breached passwords and personal information available on the dark web. There's a possibility that some of this data relates to your employees. We'll monitor dark web activity and provide reports of breached passwords.
Cyber Essentials Certification
We ensure every one of our clients achieve their Cyber Essentials certification at no additional cost. We also help them towards Cyber Essentials Plus ensuring that everything is ready for assessment.
Office 365 Monitoring
We monitor your Microsoft 365 tenancy with our 24/7 security operations centre. If there is strange activity we'll find it immediately and alert you or resolve the issue straight away. Keeping your business secure.
Anti-Virus Software
Everyone wants to avoid computer viruses. We include anti-virus software as part of our IT support package to keep your devices safe and to save time when it comes to viruses.
Email Security
Over 90% of cyber attacks start with a phishing email. It's crucial that your business has the best defence against cyber criminals and scams when regarding your mailbox.
Backups for Office 365
We will ensure that all of your emails and files are backed up, at no extra cost. We recognise the importance of backups and disaster recovery so we feel it shouldn't be an added extra.
Managed Email Signatures
With our included Exclaimer signatures for Office 365 service, you can get more out of your email signatures instead of a simple message with no images.
Cyber Security Training
To keep you even safer from hackers, we provide globally recognised and market leading Cyber security training by PhishingTackle. This online training portal will provide your teams with guidance and information to reduce the risk of hackers and scams.
Asset and Warranty Tracking & Reporting
We provide you with a list of your current assets in the business by using our powerful remote management tools. This creates a monthly asset report so you can keep track of your hardware life cycles.
Reformed IT Academy
We'll provide your business with the best IT training and learning sources. With the Reformed IT Academy, you’ll be able to watch and complete over 700 courses to help grow your knowledge and skills.
Password Manager
Password managers make storing and creating passwords much easier and safer. Keeper password manager also auto-fills passwords making the sign in proccess much quicker.
Cyber Threat Monitoring
With Huntress, you'll have an extra layer of security to help keep hackers out of your business. You'll be able to Monitor cyber attacks and malicious activity.
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Great service so far what with me being a new starter, & I've heard really positive things about Reformed IT from many of my colleagues, so I have no doubt this great service … More will continue! - Reformed IT always provide excellent service and support. Since working for Walton and Allen the team have always been fast to resolve any IT issues I have had. Thank you for all of … More your help 🙂
- Reformed IT are beyond brilliant, anytime I have called in need of help since working for Walton & Allen, nothing is too much trouble, they have resolved any issue with ease.
The … More staff are always happy to help, friendly service every time. It can be stressful when your job is based mostly on a computer, and there is some kind of problem you are unsure how to resolve, but with Reformed IT just a phone call away, it is so re-assuring to know that anytime I hit a roadblock, you guys are there to save the day!
Big thanks to you all, be lost without you guys! - Reformed IT have been providing co-managed IT and Cyber Security services to us for just over a year and have never performed less than superbly. Rare to find a company as responsive … More and easy to deal with. I learn something new almost every time I talk with them, highly recommended!
