Exploring Cybersecurity Awareness Month

In 2021, the ability to work wherever is a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. Whether you’re working from home, in a socially distanced open office, an individual office, or something of a hybrid, work happens everywhere. With that comes the underlying fact that your company’s data is more spread out than ever before and living on multiple networks. 

Each October, we take a moment to recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month and why it’s so important for you and your business. Plus, some ways we can help, of course!   

Learn how we can help:

What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?

The USA Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) marks October 2021 as the 18th year of recognition for Cybersecurity Awareness Month in the United States. During the month of October, the CISA designates each week with its own cybersecurity initiatives to help individuals and organizations stay protected. This year, awareness comes in the form of these categories over the next four weeks: 

• Week 1 / Be Cyber Smart Encourages individuals to do their part in protecting their personal data. Cybercriminals often exploit individual human error to get access to privileged business information, so you’ll want to make sure any crucial software patches are updated on your work hardware, you’re using two-factor authentication where available, and you’re being diligent about not clicking unknown links in questionable work emails. 
• Week 2 / Phight the Phish Despite the purposeful spelling error, Phight the Phish week is all about awareness of the various phishing schemes hackers use to exploit people and businesses for information. Phishing techniques use email, message platforms, or malicious websites to gather personal information. That information is then used to break into personal accounts. 
• Week 3 / Explore. Experience. Share. All about teaching and informing, the third week expands on the idea that cybersecurity isn’t just for your IT department. Those looking for more career-focused cybersecurity information can look no further than this helpful resource from the CISA. 
• Week 4 / Cybersecurity First In the final week of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, you're encouraged to access all the Cybersecurity information you can in order to help build a more secure internet by taking that information into the world and sharing it with others.    

Doing Our Part

Here at Pacific Office Automation, we pride ourselves in being one of the most sought-after national providers of managed print, cybersecurity, and IT solutions for just about every major sector, from Education to Government. 

Learn more about how we can help on Portland’s KATU 2 News. 

Pacific Office Automation offers a secure workflow solution to prevent network intrusion, data theft, and compliance with data protection laws. Additionally, we can implement an activity manager that supervises user activity to reduce the risk of data breaches. 

We know that every business is different, so we encourage you to reach out for a consultation and to learn more about our cybersecurity initiatives.