Complimentary Cybersecurity Awareness Training

As part of Third Octet’s Workplace Suite services, we’re offering free onboarding, and your first month is free for our Cybersecurity Awareness Training through October. You don’t need to commit to our fully Managed IT services right away. Starting with cybersecurity awareness training is a great way to get to know us and strengthen your security.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is held every October to remind people to be vigilant about online threats. As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect your digital life is crucial.

You don’t have to be a tech expert to enhance your cybersecurity. Simple actions like updating passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being cautious of suspicious emails can make a big difference. This month is perfect for brushing up on your knowledge and adopting safer online habits.

Key Takeaways

• Cybersecurity Awareness Month: A global campaign in October to help people and businesses stay safe from online threats.
• Simple Actions: Improve your security with easy steps like updating passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and being careful with emails.
• Canadian Solutions: We provide tailored cybersecurity solutions for businesses and individuals, keeping your technology secure.
• Success Stories: We help businesses and individuals stay safe at Third Octet, from protecting personal tech to improving company-wide security.
• Free Training: Sign up for Cybersecurity Awareness Training in October and get free onboarding; your first month is free

History of Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Cybersecurity Awareness Month started in 2004 in the U.S. and soon spread globally, including to Canada. Get Cyber Safe is the leading campaign run by the Canadian government through the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS). Every October, they offer educational tools to help Canadians improve their cybersecurity.

Milestones in Canada:

• 2010: Canada joins Cybersecurity Awareness Month, focusing on public education.
• 2018: CCCS is created to lead national efforts in cybersecurity.
• 2020: The campaign shifts focus to help secure remote work environments during COVID-19.
• 2022: A more robust focus is placed on supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).

Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness

Cybersecurity Awareness Month emphasizes the critical need to understand online threats and how to protect both personal and organizational information from malicious attacks.

Educating the Public

Raising awareness is essential to improving cybersecurity. National campaigns like Cybersecurity Awareness Month provide valuable resources, making complex topics accessible. Through webinars, workshops, and online materials, you can learn about phishing, password management, and safe browsing practices. For example, identifying phishing emails reduces the risk of unauthorized data access. Engaging with these resources enhances your ability to recognize and respond to threats effectively.

Reducing Cyber Threats

Adopting best practices curbs the number of successful cyber-attacks. Simple actions, such as updating software and using strong passwords, increase security without significant investment. Enabling multi-factor authentication creates an extra layer of protection. According to a Verizon report, 81% of data breaches are due to weak or stolen passwords. Through Cybersecurity Awareness Month, you gain the tools and knowledge necessary to mitigate these risks, significantly reducing potential threats to your digital environment.

Key Themes

Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on various key themes to enhance overall online safety. This includes personal security, business security, and national security.

Personal Security

Strengthen personal security by adopting good cyber hygiene. Regularly update passwords using unique combinations for different accounts. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of protection. Be vigilant of phishing emails by checking email addresses and looking for suspicious content. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, following these practices can significantly reduce identity theft and unauthorized access incidents.

Business Security

Protect your business by implementing comprehensive cybersecurity policies. Ensure employees receive regular training on recognizing cyber threats and safely handling sensitive data. Use robust antivirus software and firewalls to protect internal systems. According to a report by the Ponemon Institute, data breaches cost companies an average of $3.86 million per incident, highlighting the critical importance of strong cybersecurity measures.

National Security

Staying informed and following Canadian federal cybersecurity guidelines is essential for protecting national security. Businesses can take part in programs like Cybersecure Canada, a certification for small and medium-sized businesses to show they meet baseline cybersecurity standards. Achieving this certification shows your business is serious about protecting data and minimizing risks.

Success Stories

For Individuals

At Third Octet, we don’t just think about the business—we think about the people. After all, if a single person isn’t secure, the safeguards we put in place to protect the company may be useless. For example, we worked closely with a business owner to protect his personal technology use at home, ensuring his digital footprint was secure. With our help, he became more secure everywhere—at home and in the office.

For Businesses

For organizations, awareness training and security safeguards are not afterthoughts—security is embedded into everything we do. Whether we’re joining our customers’ all-hands meetings to share the latest security risks (even while grocery shopping!) or implementing backend safeguards to improve their Microsoft Secure Score, we’ve got you covered. Our comprehensive cybersecurity approach ensures that all aspects of your business—and the individuals within it—are protected.

Events and Activities

Cybersecurity Awareness Month features various events and activities to help you enhance your online security posture. These initiatives aim to provide practical knowledge and engage the community in proactive cybersecurity measures.

Workshops and Webinars

Workshops and webinars offer hands-on training and expert insights into cybersecurity threats and defensive strategies. Participants can attend sessions covering phishing prevention, password management, and secure browsing habits. For example, a webinar on multi-factor authentication can teach you how to protect your accounts better.

Public Campaigns

Public campaigns raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and promote best practices. Initiatives like the “Stop. Think. Connect.” campaign inform you about safe online behaviours. These campaigns often include social media events, informative videos, and downloadable materials to help spread the message widely.

Educational Resources

Educational resources are designed to provide in-depth knowledge on cybersecurity topics. You can access articles, infographics, and e-books that cover various aspects of online safety. For instance, guides on creating solid passwords or recognizing phishing attempts can be invaluable in improving your cybersecurity awareness.

Canadian Resources to Promote Cybersecurity Awareness

Canadian businesses have access to many helpful resources to boost cybersecurity, especially during October, including:

• Get Cyber Safe: This Government of Canada campaign provides cybersecurity tips and toolkits for businesses and individuals. Visit Get Cyber Safe.
• Canadian Centre for Cyber Security (CCCS): This organization offers advice and guidance on protecting against cyber threats, with resources for SMBs. Explore CCCS.

October is the perfect time to boost your cybersecurity. Sign up for Third Octet’s Cybersecurity Awareness Training and enjoy free onboarding and free free in the first month! Even if you’re not ready for fully Managed IT services, this training is a great first step toward working together.

Remember, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By participating in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, you help protect your own data and contribute to a safer online world for everyone.

Complimentary Cybersecurity Awareness Training

As part of Third Octet’s Workplace Suite services, we’re offering free onboarding, and your first month is free for our Cybersecurity Awareness Training through October. You don’t need to commit to our fully Managed IT services immediately. Starting with cybersecurity awareness training is a great way to get to know us and strengthen your security.