Why You Need It and What It Can Do for You
Feeling safe. This profound human need is more easily met offline than online. Don’t talk to strangers, stay together, shield your card details from stranger’s eyes and so on. We’re so used to taking precautions that help us navigate around possible dangers in the real world. But what about online? Have you ever told your child not to use the free wifi because it’s easier to get hacked? Or insisted they take care of their daily cyber-hygiene? Probably not. Yet the danger of strangers invading your privacy, or taking advantage of you in cyberspace, is a very real one.
Just google ‘cybercrime’ and you’ll find report after report that proves that the amount of crimes committed digitally is not only on the rise but a serious threat to our public, private and professional lives. An estimated $6 trillion will be spent globally on cybersecurity by 2021. But we all have to do our part to implement stronger security measures, raise awareness in our communities and educate vulnerable audiences. And so Cybersecurity Awareness Month was invented to help achieve these goals.
Have you heard of Cybersecurity Awareness Month before?
Back in 2004, the American National Cyber Security Alliance created this yearly initiative in a collaborative effort between government and industry. The goal is to raise awareness and give tools and information that help create a safer and more resilient society. Every year, the event covers various themes while growing bigger and gaining more attention. This year, it is even mirrored by the European Cybersecurity Month which organizes activities in all European countries and provides its own set of multilingual resources. Be sure to check them out too!
You Already Know What Cybersecurity Is? Are You Sure?
Keeping up with the latest knowledge is challenging in today’s fast-paced digital world. It’s like a game where the rules are constantly changing. October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which means that the upcoming four weeks will teach you everything you need to know, and do, to master cybersecurity. Now, and in the near future.
Week 1, October 4, 2021: Be Cyber Smart
The first week will focus on the best security practices and how to create your own cyber-hygiene routine to keep your information safe. Expect content that will help you with the basics that you need to do your part in cybersecurity. Start creating strong passwords, doing multifactor authentication, making backups and keeping your software updated and you’re on track to Do Your Part and #BeCyberSmart!
Week 2, October 11, 2021: Fight the Phish
Think before you click! Week 2 will stress the importance of always questioning whether the sender of an email, message or any other form of written communication is authentic. Phishing is the art of strangers masking themselves as someone trustworthy, be it a company, or a friend. You’ll learn how to stay safe by staying suspicious and remember to think twice before clicking links or opening emails and attachments.
Week 3, October 11, 2021: Explore. Experience
This week's topic is centered around careers in cybersecurity. We’ll even speak with a cybersecurity expert and, amongst other things, ask him for his personal top tips to stay safe in 2021. Stay tuned!
Week 4, October 25, 2021: Cybersecurity First
We conclude the month with the most important message: Make cybersecurity a priority. Businesses and individuals alike must put cybersecurity first. In Dundle’s case, we keep our security measures up to date to keep fraudsters away, while asking our customers not to share their purchased codes with strangers. The goal is to keep ourselves, and each other, safe.
Why We Care About Cybersecurity Awareness
In our webshop, we sell eGift cards and prepaid products for many regions and in various currencies. Our products are sent as digital codes via email. So we are very aware of the importance of cybersecurity and the impact of security breaches. Because used in the right way, our prepaid products give people around the world a more playful, convenient and safer online experience. On the other hand, gift cards are highly vulnerable to fraud, scams and phishing. So we’ve made it our mission to educate people about cybersecurity, which is why we fully support and take part in Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
Where To Find More Information
Cybersecurity Awareness Month occurs in the United States and Europe simultaneously. Visit https://staysafeonline.org/ to follow along with the American initiative. If you live in Europe, you can find resources and events on and offline in your country or language on https://cybersecuritymonth.eu/. Both initiatives target individuals and organizations alike. On social media, follow the official hashtags in order to be #BeCyberSmart. Stay tuned to #CyberSecurityAwareness, #CyberSecMonth and, of course, #ThinkB4UClick. Keep checking Dundle Magazine for relevant articles at the beginning of each week this October!
