October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: What Do You Need to Know to Stay Safe?
Cyber Security and Hacking
2022 has seen a pronounced spike in hacking campaigns as the for-profit hacking industry continues to spawn new infections and the ranks of cybercriminals only seems to grow.
As we begin the final quarter of the year, we enter the 19th annual iteration of what is known as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The yearly tradition is mostly a collaboration between the public and private sectors that is intended to raise awareness regarding the multitude of threats that currently exist in the cybersphere, digital security, and how both private citizens and entities can empower themselves to better protect their personal data from digital forms of crime.
In the United States, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA kicked off Cybersecurity Awareness Month today with President Joe Biden designating October
“as a time for the public and private sectors to work together to continue raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and equip the American people with the resources needed to be safer and more secure online.”
Throughout the month of October, CISA is working with the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) on an initiative that emphasizes what it means to “See Yourself in Cyber.” In effect, it seeks to promote actions all Americans can take to improve overall cybersecurity across the country.
According to CISA Director Jen Easterly:
“To build a more resilient nation, everyone—from K through Gray—has a role to play, which is why our theme for this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is ‘See Yourself in Cyber. This October, we are taking this message directly to the American people because whether you’re a network defender or anyone with an internet connection, we all have a role to play in strengthening the cybersecurity of our nation. Throughout the month, CISA engages with communities across the country to promote cyber hygiene—simple but effective ways to keep Americans safe online through basic steps like enabling multi-factor authentication; using strong passwords and a password keeper; recognizing and reporting phishing; and promptly updating software. Together, we will make better cybersecurity a reality.”
What Should Cybersecurity Mean to Me?
Although the major headlines are usually made by major ransomware syndicates and state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups that extort large corporations and governments for millions of dollars. Moreover, these attacks only represent a tiny sliver of the rampant cybercrime that exists globally. The overwhelming majority of attacks target individual online device users, with attacks occurring on devices ranging from cell phones, tablets, PCs, Internet Routers, computerized household appliances, and even the smart devices an increasing number of Americans use to manage their homes. Some of the more prevalent threats are:
Adware
Adware is notorious for redirecting users to sponsored websites that generally display ads for various items that include unwanted chrome extensions, surveys, adult sites, online web games, fake software updates, as well as other unwanted programs. The dangers posed by adware include becoming redirected to sites filled with viruses that attack your computer and then collect sensitive personal information.
Browser Hijackers
A browser hijacker is a type of program or browser extension that becomes designed to modify a user’s default browser settings. Unless users go throw the process of removing browser hijackers from their systems, in time, these programs, which are classified as potentially unwanted programs or PUPs, can expose them to unwanted content or display disturbing behavior that negatively affects the user’s browsing experience.
Mac Malware
For decades, it was thought that PC users could avoid the threats posed by viruses and malware by simply choosing to use Mac products. In 2022, that is no longer true. Although many computer users still think Mac computers are immune to malware threats and attacks, in the last quarter of 2020. Furthermore, Mac malware grew faster than several categories of Windows malware, including adware.
Trojans
Trojan horses, also known simply as Trojans, are a class of malware that can become programmed to perform various malicious functions. Lastly, these functions may allow unauthorized access to the host computer and give the trojan’s operator the ability to monitor the victim’s screen, log keystrokes, or even control the computer.
Julio is a business and political strategist, the Editorial Director for Reactionary Times, and a political commentator and columnist. Julio’s writing focuses on cybersecurity and politics. Websites including Newsmax, Townhall, American Thinker and BizPacReview have published Julio’s work.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: What Do You Need to Know to Stay Safe?
