National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is held every October. This is a time to raise awareness about internet safety and best practices for cybersecurity. It’s more important than ever to be careful about online threats as technology becomes more important in our daily lives.
In 2024, people are talking about how cyberattacks change so quickly and how important it is to stay ahead by educating people, making them aware, and taking effective steps to defend themselves.
How important it is to know about cybersecurity
Everything we do online these days is digital, from our bank information and personal messages to our healthcare records and important infrastructure.
Cybercriminals are always coming up with new ways to take advantage of flaws in systems. They go after small businesses, the government, individuals, and even big companies.
Attacks like ransomware, hacking, and data breaches happen all the time, and a lot is at stake. New studies show that hacking will cost the world $10,5 trillion every year by 2025. This shows how important it is to have better security.
NCSAM 2024 encourages individuals and groups to take action to safeguard their online identity. Not only do we need to protect data, but we also need to know how new threats, like those involving AI, ransomware, and weak spots in the supply chain, can affect every part of society.
Cybersecurity Threats That Are Popular in 2024
The world of online threats is always changing, but this year, a few main trends have been making the news:
1. Ransomware Evolution
In 2024, ransomware is still one of the worst types of hacks. Attackers get into systems, secure data, and then demand money to get it back. But these tactics have changed over time. These days, hackers often take private data before encrypting it and say they will release it if the fee is not paid.
This double extortion method works especially well on healthcare workers and other businesses that have private information about patients or customers.
To stop ransomware attacks, you need to be careful, back up your data regularly, and use strong security measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and endpoint protection.
2. Phishing Gets More Sophisticated
Phishing is still one of the most common and successful ways to attack computers.
In 2024, however, phishing scams are more targeted and use social engineering to make emails look like they came from reputable sources. Criminals are also using AI to make very specific messages that look like they came from coworkers, family members, or companies.
People and businesses should be taught to spot red flags and sketchy links in emails in order to stop hacking. Businesses should also buy strong email security systems.
3. Supply Chain Attacks
Supply chain hacks, in which hackers get into a company through a third-party vendor or service provider, are becoming a bigger problem in cybersecurity.
These kinds of attacks are especially sneaky because they take advantage of the fact that companies and their providers trust each other. In 2024, many businesses are rushing to make their supply chains safer, especially since a number of high-profile breaches have brought the dangers to light.
4. Cloud Security Threats
Cloud security has become more important as more businesses switch to cloud-based services.
Cybercriminals are going after cloud services more and more, using settings that aren’t set up right or weak access controls to get to private data without permission. As more data is kept and processed in the cloud, it is more important than ever to keep these areas safe.
How Students, Individuals, and Cybersecurity Professionals Can Help Combat Cyber Threats
Cyber dangers change quickly, but there are things you can do to lower these risks, whether you’re a student, someone who just uses the internet, or a cybersecurity professional:
1. Students: Building Future Expertise
If you’re studying cybersecurity, getting certifications like CompTIA Security+ and useful skills is a great way to help.
Cybersecurity programs like RW2’s teach important skills like how to protect networks. You’ll know how to spot threats and how to successfully defend against them, which will help businesses and community organizations keep their data and networks safe.
2. Individuals: Practicing Cyber Hygiene
Good “cyber hygiene” can make a big difference, even if you’re not a professional. Simple things to do like
- Using strong passwords that are unique
- Putting multi-factor authentication (MFA) to use
- Being careful with fake emails People who are trying to steal your information will have a much harder time thanks to these steps.
3. Cybersecurity Professionals: Leading the Defense
The following is what professionals in the field must do:
- Keep up with new threats like supply chain hacks and ransomware.
- Continuously update your skills and knowledge. Stay informed about the latest cyber threats, tools, and best practices.
- Teach your coworkers how to spot online threats and make sure that everyone is part of the defense system.
If you’re interested in enrolling in the RW2 Cybersecurity program click below—exciting news is on the way, and you won’t want to miss it!
RW2 Career and Technical Education: Preparing Cybersecurity Professionals
As cyber threats get more complicated, there is a greater need than ever for skilled cybersecurity experts.
The 24-week Cybersecurity Program at RW2 Career and Technical Education is the best way to prepare for an entry-level cybersecurity career.
Focusing on both hard and soft skills, this program gives students the knowledge and skills they need to do well in the field. What students learn
- Python Programming: Learn the basics of Python, one of the most popular programming languages in cybersecurity, to make security tools and automate jobs.
- Network Security: Know how network systems work and how to keep them safe from outside threats.
- Threat Recognition and Response: Learn how to find weaknesses, spot threats, and put plans in place to protect against possible strikes.
The capstone project is one of the best parts of the RW2 Cybersecurity Program. It lets students use what they’ve learned to solve real-world cybersecurity issues. This project can also be used as a good piece of paper to send with job applications.
Students in the program also learn how to prepare for the CompTIA Security+ test, which is a well-known credential in the cybersecurity field.
The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development has approved RW2’s cybersecurity and other programs. This means the program meets and must adhere to certain standards so students can get the best education possible.
Recently, six students, five of whom were women, have passed the Security+ test on their first try, which is pretty impressive.
Along with technical training, RW2 stresses teamwork, communication, and business ethics to make sure graduates are ready to do well in the real world.
Conclusion: The Future of Cybersecurity is in Your Hands
The 2024 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a strong reminder that cybersecurity isn’t just the job of IT experts; it’s our duty as well. We need to protect ourselves, our business, and our digital life right away because hackers are getting smarter all the time.
Building good cybersecurity habits is important whether you’re protecting your data with best practices like multi-factor authentication or teaching your workers how to spot phishing attempts.
As the need for cybersecurity talent is high, this is a great time to think about starting a career in this important area. Interested? RW2 Career and Technical Education has a 24-week Cybersecurity Program that gives students the skills and information needed..
Don’t miss the chance to join the next group, which starts the week of November 4, 2024.
Get ahead in the digital world and help keep everyone safe from cyber dangers. Start today at RW2 for a rewarding path to a job in cybersecurity. Find out more on RW2’s website and reserve your spot today!
“I agree with your points, very insightful!”