Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Essential Cybersecurity Tips from a CISO for a Safer Digital World 

Author: Joseph Carson, Chief Security Scientist, Delinea

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a crucial reminder of the constant digital threats we face and the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard our digital lives. From individuals managing their personal information to organizations protecting critical assets, the need for a robust cybersecurity strategy has never been greater. This month emphasizes awareness and the practical actions we can all take to enhance our security posture.

We must also evolve from cybersecurity awareness to a cybersecurity culture, as it is essential in an increasingly interconnected world where cyber threats continue to grow and affect everyone. It’s no longer just the responsibility of IT departments but of every individual who uses a digital device and accesses the internet. By fostering a strong cybersecurity culture, we can all contribute to safeguarding sensitive information, preventing cyberattacks, and ensuring online safety. We must stay vigilant, practice safe online behaviors, and collaborate to secure our digital environments to protect ourselves and others.

Here are some of my tips to strengthen your digital security and make it difficult for malicious hackers:

1. Strong passwords and password managers:

Weak passwords and password reuse continue to be a significant risk. Try to maintain robust and unique passwords across various accounts by using complex passphrases and employing password managers or Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions. Password managers act as digital vaults, securely storing and generating passwords, simplifying managing multiple digital credentials. Where possible, use passkeys, which are now becoming more common for digital credentials.

A passkey is a modern, passwordless authentication method designed to improve both security and ease of use when signing into websites, apps, and services. Passkeys replace traditional passwords by using cryptographic techniques, reducing the risk of password-related vulnerabilities like phishing or brute-force attacks.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

MFA is an essential defense mechanism that requires multiple verification forms, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access even if a password is compromised. This added layer of security (for example, combining a password with a biometric factor) is a crucial step in protecting sensitive credentials. A password should never be the only security control preventing attackers from gaining access to your digital credentials, so to reduce the risks, ensure that you enable and use multifactor authentication for all of your sensitive and critical digital identities. This single step will ensure you are on the path to a safer online world.

3. Phishing awareness and response:

Phishing attacks remain a leading method of cybercrime, utilizing deceptive emails and messages to steal sensitive information. Recognizing these attempts through careful scrutiny of email content, sender addresses, and URLs is incredibly important. Organizations should encourage prompt reporting of phishing attempts to facilitate swift action in mitigating potential threats. Never be afraid to ask someone for help or advice when it comes to phishing; if you see something suspicious, ask a tech-savvy colleague or friend about what signs to look for if you are unsure whether or not it’s safe. If the email is too good to be true, it’s usually more likely to be a scam or malicious, and if it is from someone you know, then contact them using another method and ask them if it is something they really did send. More than ever, phishing emails come from already compromised accounts, so always be vigilant even when an email comes from someone you know and trust.

4. Regular software updates and patching:

Outdated software with unpatched vulnerabilities is a prime target for attackers. Regularly updating and patching systems closes potential entry points, protecting against a wide range of attacks. Automated patch management tools can streamline this process, ensuring systems remain secure with minimal disruption. Cybersecurity awareness month should be a time when you check all of your devices to see whether or not a software update or security patch is available and take the time to apply them if available. 

Cyber attacks often exploit vulnerable devices, so make sure you’re not leaving any openings for attackers to target those weaknesses.

Cybersecurity awareness should be year-round, not just for one month:

While Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as an annual reminder to review and strengthen our security measures, it’s essential to maintain a vigilant mindset every day. Cyber threats don’t take breaks, so consistent attention to security is crucial. Use this month as an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of your current security controls, ensuring they are both practical and efficient. Incorporate cybersecurity practices into daily routines and organizational processes year-round to foster a culture of security awareness. Doing so builds resilience against threats and promotes a proactive approach to digital safety.

Taking time to help a family member, friend, or colleague ensure they’ve implemented essential security controls is a critical aspect of cybersecurity awareness. It extends beyond protecting just yourself—it’s about safeguarding the entire social network we rely on. By guiding others to use strong passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and stay vigilant against threats like phishing, we create a safer digital environment for everyone. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility; supporting those around us helps strengthen our collective defenses.

Moving to security by design and security by default

“Security by design” refers to the concept of integrating security measures into the entire development process of systems, software, or devices from the outset rather than treating it as an afterthought or an add-on feature. It is a proactive approach where security considerations are embedded into the architecture and development lifecycle, ensuring that potential vulnerabilities and risks are identified and addressed early on. This strategy contrasts with traditional models, where security is often bolted onto systems after they’ve been developed, resulting in a less effective and more costly process to secure them.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is about raising awareness and taking actionable steps to enhance our digital security. By adopting strong passwords, implementing MFA, staying vigilant against phishing, and maintaining updated software, we build a resilient defense against cyber threats. These practices, combined with safe online habits, device security, and incident response planning, are essential in year-round safeguarding our personal and professional digital landscapes.