It’s cybersecurity awareness month. Cyberattacks on businesses are at an all-time high. Reports vary, but cybercriminals have become experts at tricking employees into clicking on malicious links. This suggests that large and small businesses should establish a cybersecurity awareness program. Therefore, knowing the hazards associated with online activity and considering what personal information we provide becomes our best defence.
Beyond malicious intent, simple carelessness can be just as devastating. Again, phishing attacks constantly evolve, and employees still fall victim to them. A 2024 report by KnowBe4 found that over 30% of employees clicked on a malicious link in a simulated phishing attack. This carelessness also lets the malware slip through your defences, exposing your company. Given how heavily we have grown reliant on the internet for jobs, school, shopping, and socializing, this is especially crucial. Also, we see hacks that can have disastrous effects on billions of users every week.
Quick cybersecurity awareness facts
Disgruntled insiders increasingly wield sophisticated ransomware attacks as weapons. Traditional security measures may only help you avoid frontline threats, but a multi-layered approach is essential. This is where cybersecurity awareness training plays a role. It serves as your secret weapon, building a human firewall that protects your organization from today’s threats.
Here are some quick facts from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
- Cybercrime continues to be a cyber threat that affects Canadians and Canadian organizations.
- We report only 5 to 10% of all cybercrimes and fraud. We need more awareness.
- The RCMP continues to see an increase in ransomware in Canada. Since June 2022, the National Cybercrime Coordination Unit has received over 3,476 help calls from domestic and international law enforcement partners. Of these requests, over 30% were related to ransomware.
Build security and stay safe online
The more we know, the more businesses and consumers can protect themselves from cyber threats. Throughout October, I will post different educational blogs focusing on Cybersecurity Awareness. This month will be great to learn more about cyber consumer concerns. Further, you can download my interactive mobile app, FRAUDSTER, available on Apple and Android. You can learn more at www.FraudsterApp.com.
If you’ve already downloaded the FraudsterApp, click the training icon on the home screen to learn how to protect yourself.
