October means Halloween for most of us, but before you suit up like Lady Gaga and hit the streets, you should also be aware that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month.  And unlike the ghosts and goblins that exist in our heads, we have real jokers out there looking to exploit our personal data, infiltrate our systems, and lay waste to our digital lives.  

Not everyone, to be sure, but they are out there.  

With cyber threats growing more sophisticated every year, it’s important to take cybersecurity seriously — not just in October, but year-round.  Let’s take a look!

 

The History of Cybersecurity Awareness Month

 

Launched in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), Cybersecurity Awareness Month set out with a fairly simple goal: to raise awareness about cybersecurity and help people, as the Wu-Tang put it, “Protect ya neck.”  Early efforts concentrated on teaching Americans the basics of online safety, including creating strong passwords, avoiding phishing scams, and teaching people about the dangers of sharing too much personal information in chat rooms.  But technology is a beast, and over time the campaign’s scope widened to address issues such as privacy, emerging online threats, and the necessity of protecting both personal and business information.

Every year in October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month dishes out a new theme that highlights the current state of cyber threats and security practices.  Themes have included slogans like “Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.” and “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.”  The theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024, now in its 20th year, is “Secure Our World,” calling for everyone to defend against online threats using practical actions.

 

Cybersecurity: Why It  Matters

 

Like the e-waste crisis, cybercrimes continue to rise.  Hackers love nothing more than to exploit systems and software, even our daily personal habits, revealing how fragile our existence in the digital world really is.  And if you’re a big business, or even just starting out, the cost to your bank account is often overshadowed by the damage to your reputation.  Establishing a reputable brand doesn’t happen overnight; it takes decades, and a single data breach can destroy it in an instant.

Recently, Cybercrime Magazine reported that the annual cost of cybercrimes is expected to soar to $10.5 trillion by 2025.  Notably, phishing attacks contribute to 80% of all reported cybercrimes and rank as the second most common type of attack.  Conversely, the time required to execute ransomware attacks has drastically decreased, dropping from over 60 days in 2019 to just under 4 days in 2021.  So things are getting pretty serious.

 

Individuals Are At Risk

 

Individuals, too, are at risk, and for many of us the scariest part of October isn’t the haunted house on the corner — as terrifying as it is — but the reality of a breached bank account, stolen identity, or locked-out computer.  From phishing scams to fake websites and malware, cybercriminals use numerous methods to access personal information.  Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 aims to educate the public and provide them with the essential knowledge to combat these dangers safely, and effectively.

 

Expert Data Destruction: Why eAsset Solutions Stands Out

 

Not only during Cybersecurity Awareness Month but year-round our goal is twofold: promote a circular economy and destroy all data-bearing devices that come into our possession.  And when it comes to safeguarding your data, it’s vital to collaborate with reputable companies that take data security as seriously as eAsset Solutions.  You don’t have to recycle with us in order to have your data destroyed.  With nearly two decades of expertise in certified data destruction, eAsset Solutions guarantees the secure and thorough destruction of your data, offering services including onsite and offsite hard drive shredding, degaussing, and wiping.  

Our commitment to the highest standard in the industry is reflected in our R2v3 and RIOS certifications which require annual audits ensuring that all data is managed according to strict protocols.  We’re not simply a recycling company — though we do this with great pride.  We are experts in data destruction, and understand the importance of protecting sensitive data while supporting sustainable practices.

 

Effective Data Destruction Methods: Wiping, Degaussing, and Shredding

 

The most reliable way to protect your data is to make sure it’s completely destroyed when it’s no longer needed.  eAsset Solutions provides secure data destruction services in the following ways:

 

Data Wiping

We advocate strongly for data wiping, as it’s not only highly effective but also supports our dedication to a circular economy.  Using advanced software that overwrites data multiple times, this method eliminates the risk of data breaches while contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach.  Additionally, you will receive a certificate of destruction, guaranteeing compliance with industry standards and peace of mind.  Without question, it’s our personal favorite.

 

Hard Drive Shredding: Onsite and Offsite

This tried-and-true method physically destroys hard drives, making data recovery impossible.  And keeping with our green-philosophy, the resulting shredded material is then recycled in an environmentally-friendly way.  A certificate of destruction is then issued, guaranteeing compliance with industry standards and peace of mind.  Best of all, this service is offered for clients both offsite and onsite.

 

Degaussing: Onsite and Offsite

Previously, we did a deep dive into degaussing and its history previously, but here’s a quick refresher: degaussing disrupts the magnetic fields of storage devices, making data on hard drives and tapes completely unreadable.  It’s an environmentally friendly method — a big plus for us, as hard drive shredding releases particulates into the air — and we’re glad to provide this service both onsite as well as offsite.  And again, a certificate of destruction is issued to our clients.

 

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024: Tips to Stay Safe Online

 

Now, we get it, not everyone needs data destruction on the spot.  Most of us simply want to stay safe online, and do what we can to prevent cyber attacks.  So let’s take a look at some quick tips:

 

Create Strong and Unique Passwords:  

Create passwords that mix letters, numbers, and special characters, avoiding common or easily guessed phrases.  If you’re anything like me, you will forget them, so look into a password manager to help you keep track of them securely.

 

Monitor Your Accounts Regularly:

No matter how many security features we put in place, check your bank, credit, and online accounts frequently for suspicious activity.  Quick detection allows for immediate action, so stay on top of your affairs.

 

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

 

It can be a pain in the butt, we know.  But adding MFA creates a critical security barrier by requiring more than one form of identification, making it far more challenging for hackers to breach your accounts.  Use it!

 

Watch Out for Phishing Scams:

Be on the lookout for unsolicited emails, texts, or calls asking for personal information.  Double-check the source before clicking links or opening attachments.

 

Update Your Software Regularly:

 

Make sure to update your software regularly (apps, operating systems, etc.) to defend against the latest security threats.  This can go a long way.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 is fundamentally about being vigilant, learning continuously, and adopting strong cybersecurity practices.  Teaming up with reputable companies like eAsset Solutions can help protect your data from the relentless threats that seem to lurk everywhere.  As these threats evolve, maintaining a proactive and informed stance is vital to safeguarding your personal and business data.  

So this October, amid the costumes and house parties, take some time to review and strengthen your cybersecurity measures.  Awareness is your greatest weapon against cybercrime, use it.  Call us today or contact us here to see how we can help you out!