Every October, the nation takes an opportunity to observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It’s a worthy endeavor, a time for businesses to take a hard look at their cybersecurity to see what they can be doing better to protect themselves against evolving threats.

But businesses can’t afford to drop their guards the other 11 months of the year. Considering the volume of cyberattacks, it doesn’t seem like there will be a reprieve any time soon. Yet, one recent study found that nearly half (43%) of cyberattacks target small and mid-size businesses. However, less than a fifth (14%) are prepared to defend against them.

While Cybersecurity Awareness Month only happens once a year, it’s time for businesses to focus on security every month.

History of Cybersecurity Awareness Month

In 2004, Congress and the President designated October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Every year since that time, the CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) and NCA (National Cybersecurity Alliance) have worked side-by-side raising cybersecurity awareness and giving individuals and businesses alike information to help boost their security posture.

Each year a theme is chosen to rally around. This October, the theme is “See Yourself in Cyber” with a strong focus on the people aspect of cybersecurity. While we should treat every month as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, there are procedures and protocols you can put in place today to better defend against cyber threats.

Security Solutions are Available for Every Sized Organization

For many small companies and non-profits that focus their resources on mission-critical activities, it can be challenging to find the funding necessary to secure their network. This leaves them vulnerable to attack. Consider the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawaii (BGCH). The organization wanted to reduce the threat of cyberattacks, protect donor data, and prevent employees from clicking unsafe links.

So, they initiated a 12-month cybersecurity awareness training program to educate their employees. A TPx partnership resulted in improved security metrics and a steady decrease in hit rates, and employees can now spot phishing attempts.

Everyone Plays a Role in Cybersecurity

Bad actors have their eyes on large corporations and small non-profits alike. Within an organization, every employee plays a role, not just those within the IT department. The simplest thing people can do is follow the best practices for passwords — make them secure and don’t share them with others. Additionally, follow the old law enforcement adage, “if you see something, say something.” If an email or anything seems out of place, report it to the IT team.

Businesses can help empower employees more with tools like Managed Inbox Detection and Response (IDR), allowing employees to submit suspicious emails for instant review and validation. The solutions pairs AI technology and human security experts to detect, contain, and remove malicious emails across your organization. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and a solution like IDR allows employees to be part of your security strategy.

Plant a Security-first Program and Let it Grow

Creating a security-focused program is critical to keep your business secure. Businesses with a security-first approach to IT is in a better position to defend against threats. Consider Grower’s Secret (GS), an organic fertilizer company with 17 employees, contractors, advisors, and board members. It needed a comprehensive security plan to reduce the risk of cyberattacks, recognizing 24/7/365 cybersecurity protection mitigates threats, reduces downtime and lessens ransomware worries.

TPx’s Managed Endpoint Security and Security Awareness Training ensured GS helped alleviate its employees’ phishing risk. As a result, GS has experienced no security issues, and employees can focus on thriving, knowing their business is safe.

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

Both BGCH and GS are great examples of how constant training can help lead to better security and ongoing success. Threats continue to evolve, and training is critical to ensure everyone knows the latest risks. Companies need to accept that training never ends. Ongoing security awareness training is one of the best ways to protect an organization against phishing emails.

Don’t Forget the Cyber Insurance

Companies should also consider buying cyber insurance, a specialized insurance offering that can protect companies should they fall victim to a cyber-attack. It’s a common misconception that a general liability insurance policy will cover ransomware and cyberattacks. A separate policy specific to cybersecurity is needed. Before just jumping in and purchasing an offering, organizations need to take a few simple steps to ensure cybersecurity readiness. Not sure where to begin? Consider these tips to ensure readiness.

Boost Your Security Posture with TPx

Do you feel prepared to face evolving threats? See how your defenses stack up with this cybersecurity risk calculator and learn everything you need to know about boosting your security in our comprehensive guide to cybersecurity.

TPx can help. Contact us and let’s talk security. Our cybersecurity experts are ready to give you the confidence you need to face the day and reduce the anxiety you feel every time you read about the most recent cyberattack or the latest threat facing businesses.