Cyber Security Awareness Month
Published by Travis Quinn on Oct 1, 2024
Cyber Security Awareness Month 2024: Protecting Australians Online
October marks Cyber Security Awareness Month, an annual initiative aimed at educating and empowering Australians to enhance their online security.
The Importance of Cyber Awareness
In our increasingly connected world, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever. This month-long focus helps remind us all to take necessary precautions and develop good online habits.
Key Focus Areas
For 2024, the campaign emphasizes that “cyber security is everyone’s business” and encourages individuals to prioritise their online safety by taking specific actions. These actions likely include:
- Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Keeping your devices and software up to date
- Using strong and unique passwords, such as a passphrases
- Recognise and report phishing
Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the best ways to protect your accounts.
- Learn how to turn on MFA.
- Use our guide to protect yourself with MFA.
Keep your devices and software up to date
Check that automatic updates are on and install updates as soon as possible.
- Learn how to update your devices.
- Test your knowledge of updates by taking our short quiz.
Using strong and unique passwords, such as passphrases
Passphrases are more secure versions of passwords, using 4 or more random words. For example: ‘crystal onion clay pretzel’. Don’t compromise your accounts by re-using passwords or passphrases.
- Learn how to set secure passphrases.
- Consider storing your passwords and passphrases in a reputable password manager.
Recognise and report phishing
Scammers use phishing as a way to trick you into giving them personal information, such as your login details.
- Learn what to do if you’ve been targeted by phishing.
- Recognise and report scams.
- Test your knowledge of scams with our quiz.
By focusing on these areas, individuals can significantly enhance their cybersecurity posture and contribute to a safer online environment for everyone.
Cyber security for businesses
Improve the cyber security of your business with the ACSC resources for business and government.
Test the cyber threat response of your business and identify ways to improve cyber security with exercise in a box.
Become a Business Partner or Network Partner to get cyber security alerts, advisories and up-to-date advice for free. Learn more about the Cyber Security Partnership Program.
Resources and Support
The Australian Cyber Security Centre provides resources to help individuals and businesses enhance their cybersecurity. The material is designed to be accessible and practical, ensuring that everyone can take steps to protect themselves online. You can find more of their resources on their website: https://www.cyber.gov.au.
Conclusion
Cyber Security Awareness Month 2024 serves as a reminder for all Australians to take control of their digital safety. By participating and sharing knowledge, we can all contribute to a more secure online environment.