June is Internet Safety Month: Tips for Protecting Online Security

Psst: CISOs and experts, this is one of our beginner-oriented articles! If you're looking for more advanced material, we recommend a dive into the blog archives!

What is Internet Safety Month?

The point of National Internet Safety Month is to educate people about the risks associated with navigating the online world and provide them with the tools and resources necessary to protect themselves.

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Cybersecurity threats are no joke - according to a recent statistic, there was a 600% increase in phishing attacks during the pandemic! That's why it's essential to have a month dedicated to raising awareness of online safety and encouraging individuals, businesses, and organizations to take action.

National Internet Safety Month benefits people in their personal and professional lives by helping them stay safe online. Whether you're sharing family photos on social media or conducting business transactions, being aware of potential threats and taking steps to protect yourself can prevent identity theft, financial loss, and other cyberattacks.

By participating in this initiative, you're not only protecting yourself but also contributing to a safer online environment for everyone.

Listen up, internet users! If you're not taking your online safety seriously, it's time to wake up and smell the cybersecurity coffee. Here are some tips to keep yourself protected and secure in this digital world:

Lock it down: Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts. The latest guidance also suggests using passphrases because they are stronger and easier to remember. Don't use "123456" or "password" - that's like leaving your front door open for burglars. You can find out more about strong passwords here.
Keep it current: Make sure you're using the latest software updates on your devices. Think of it like getting vaccinated against cyber threats - stay up to date to keep the bad stuff out.
Be exclusive: Use antivirus software and firewalls on all your devices if possible. It's like having a bouncer at the door of your favorite club - they'll keep the bad guys out.
Be wary of strangers: Don't click on suspicious links, download attachments from unknown senders, or give away your personal information. It's like meeting a stranger in a dark alley - you never know what they're capable of. If you clicked on a phishing link by accident, read about what you can do here.
Think before you post: Be careful about what you share online. Once it's out there, it's out there forever. Remember that embarrassing photo from college you don't want your boss to see? Yeah, don't let that happen.
Use two-factor authentication: Add an extra layer of protection by enabling two-factor authentication on all your accounts.

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Now, some of you might be thinking, "I'm not a tech genius, how am I supposed to do all this?"

Don't worry, even if you're not an IT whiz, you can still take control of your digital life. Start by being proactive and taking small steps to secure your online presence. Start the conversation with your friends, family members, and coworkers. And remember, you're not alone - there are plenty of resources available to help you stay safe online.

If you liked this advice, we have great news: you can download the Cybermaniacs Internet Safety Poster to help celebrate June as Internet Safety Month.

Happy June and stay safe! By following these cybersecurity tips, you'll be taking a giant leap toward ensuring your online safety and privacy.

Don't wait until it's too late - start protecting yourself today.

If you want to learn more about our innovative, engaging cybersecurity training, let’s talk! Get in touch with us.