Reflecting on Cybersecurity Awareness Month

As November rolls in, we want to take a moment to reflect on Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which has brought critical attention to the importance of cybersecurity in our organizations. While October may have been dedicated to awareness, the need for vigilance and proactive measures continues year-round.

A Quick Recap: Key Takeaways from October

This year's theme, "Secure Our World," emphasized that cybersecurity should be a discipline we incorporate into our daily lives, protecting ourselves when online or using connected devices. Here are some key insights and practices that emerged from the initiatives:

1. Recognizing and Reporting Phishing: Empower your team to identify phishing attempts and other suspicious communications. Encourage them to report any potential threats to your IT department immediately.
2. Using Strong Passwords and Password Managers: Remind employees to create strong, unique passwords for all accounts. A password manager can help them securely store and manage these passwords, reducing the temptation to reuse simple passwords.
3. Updating Software: Ensure that all systems and applications are regularly updated. This is crucial for protecting against vulnerabilities that cyber-criminals may exploit.
4. Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring more than just a password to access accounts. Encourage all employees to enable MFA wherever possible.
5. Data Backups: Reinforce the importance of regular data backups. Ensure that your backup systems are functioning correctly and test your recovery process.
6. Network Security: Review your Wi-Fi security settings. Using strong encryption and changing default settings can significantly enhance your network security.
7. Incident Response Preparedness: Have an incident response plan in place and ensure that your team knows their roles in the event of a cyber incident.

Continuing the Conversation

Just because October has ended doesn’t mean the conversation about cybersecurity should stop. Here are some ways to keep cybersecurity top of mind in your organization:

1. Monthly Check-Ins: Schedule monthly meetings to discuss any new threats and review your cybersecurity policies.
2. Engage Your Team: Encourage employees to share their experiences and lessons learned about cybersecurity throughout the year.
3. Utilize Available Resources: Continue to take advantage of resources from organizations like the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and StaySafeOnline.org.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the holiday season and the end of the year, cyber threats often increase. This makes it even more critical to maintain a heightened awareness of cybersecurity practices.

1. Holiday Scams: Remind your team to be vigilant about scams that often proliferate during this time, such as fake shipping notifications or holiday deal phishing attempts.
2. Remote Work Security: If you have employees working remotely, ensure that they understand how to secure their home networks and devices.

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity is an ongoing effort that requires constant attention and adaptation. By embracing the theme "Secure Our World," let’s commit to making cybersecurity a daily priority in our operations and personal online habits.

Thank you for your engagement during October, and let’s continue to work together to create a safer digital environment for everyone!

About First Bank and Trust Company 

First Bank and Trust Company, one of the top community banks in the United States, is a diversified financial services firm with office locations throughout southwest Virginia and the state’s Blue Ridge and Shenandoah Valleys. First Bank and Trust Company also operates throughout northeast Tennessee and North Carolina. Financial solutions are addressed by offering free checking products for personal and business accounts, savings, money markets, and time deposit accounts. Lending solutions are managed by mortgage, agricultural, and commercial lending divisions. Comprehensive wealth management solutions are available through trust and brokerage service representatives.

For more information, visit Who We Are | First Bank & Trust Company or contact Kaitlyn Widner at kpruitt@firstbank.com.

SOURCE First Bank and Trust Company