A Cyber Awareness Advent Calendar
Jonathan G.
My mission is to contribute towards the building of trust in our products and services, through providing sound solutions to cybersecurity problems.
Below is a daily action plan to make cybersecurity improvements starting from today, until the end of the month. Each day features a simple, actionable tip to help you improve your personal cybersecurity posture.
October 4: Update Your Devices
Start the month right by ensuring your computer, phone, and tablet have all the latest updates installed. These updates patch security holes that hackers exploit.
October 5: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Add an extra layer of security to your important accounts (email, banking, etc.) by enabling MFA wherever it’s available.
October 6: Create a Strong Password
Pick one important account (e.g., email or bank account) and update its password to a stronger one. Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, symbols, and numbers.
October 7: Check for Phishing Scams
Review the latest email and text messages. Make sure none of them look suspicious. Remember, banks and companies rarely ask for sensitive info over email.
October 8: Review Social Media Privacy Settings
Check your privacy settings on social media. Make sure your posts aren’t public, and review who has access to your personal information.
October 9: Set Up a Password Manager
Consider using a password manager to generate strong passwords and keep them secure in one place.
October 10: Secure Your Home Wi-Fi
Change the default password of your router and make sure you’re using WPA3 encryption if available.
October 11: Back Up Important Files
Take time today to back up your important files to a secure external drive or cloud storage solution.
October 12: Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Banking
Remind yourself and others that it’s unsafe to use public Wi-Fi for accessing sensitive accounts like online banking. If necessary, use a VPN.
October 13: Learn About Phishing
Research common phishing tactics and how to recognize phishing emails. Share what you learned with someone else.
October 14: Delete Old Accounts
Identify one or two online accounts you no longer use and delete them to minimize your digital footprint.
October 15: Check Your App Permissions
Look through the apps on your phone and consider whether they need the permissions they’re asking for (e.g., location, microphone).
October 16: Enable Auto-Updates
Enable auto-updates for your operating system and apps to ensure you receive security patches promptly.
October 17: Recognize Suspicious Links
Practice hovering over links to verify their actual destination before clicking them. This helps prevent phishing attacks.
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October 18: Secure Your Mobile Devices
Set up a strong password or PIN for your phone, and enable biometric security (fingerprint or face recognition) for additional safety.
October 19: Avoid Using USB Drives from Unknown Sources
Don't plug in random USB drives—they can carry malware. Always know the source of any external storage device.
October 20: Spot Imposter Websites
Familiarize yourself with indicators of fake websites (e.g., strange URLs or spelling errors) before making purchases or entering personal details.
October 21: Change Default Smart Device Passwords
If you use smart devices (e.g., smart speakers, cameras), change the default passwords to unique, strong ones.
October 22: Disable Bluetooth and NFC When Not in Use
Bluetooth and NFC can be entry points for attackers. Turn them off when not in use, especially in public areas.
October 23: Be Aware of Social Engineering
Understand what social engineering is—manipulating people into giving up confidential information. Always verify who you’re talking to.
October 24: Lock Your Screens
Make sure your phone, tablet, and computer screens automatically lock after a few minutes of inactivity. Use strong passwords to unlock.
October 25: Inspect Email Addresses
When receiving an important email, especially one asking for information, double-check the sender’s email address for signs it could be a fake.
October 26: Enable "Find My Device" Features
Activate features like "Find My iPhone" or "Find My Device" on Android to remotely locate or lock your devices if lost.
October 27: Look for Secure Sites
When shopping online or logging in to accounts, ensure the URL starts with "https://"—this means the connection is encrypted.
October 28: Delete Unused Apps
Go through your phone or tablet and delete apps you don’t use anymore. Fewer apps mean fewer potential security vulnerabilities.
October 29: Discuss Cybersecurity with Family
Have a conversation with family members about what you’ve learned this month. Share tips on phishing, strong passwords, and backups.
October 30: Turn On Account Alerts
Enable alerts for your bank and credit card accounts to receive notifications of suspicious activity.
October 31: Review and Reflect
Go through all the steps you’ve taken this month. Make cybersecurity habits part of your routine and celebrate your improved cyber hygiene! October is cybersecurity awareness month. I hope these tips will give help you get cybersecurity right for every month of every year.