Cyber Security Awareness Month is a campaign that takes place each October to educate the public on the significance of cyber security. Cybersecurity Awareness Month was launched as a joint effort between government and business to make sure that each American gets the tools necessary to be secure and safe online.
The first Cybersecurity Awareness Month dates back to 2004. It was launched by the National Cyber Security Association (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and its main aim was to raise awareness and to any internet user to be secure online.
This year is the 18th time Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. It is organized by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and NCSA. This year’s theme is called “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart” and it encourages individuals and organizations to take their part in protecting cyberspace by spreading awareness and enhancing cybersecurity.
Everyone must acknowledge: all our “connected” devices (PCs, laptops, phones, etc.) contain sensitive information, which can be compromised and stolen anytime. Using the internet can be extremely risky if you are unaware of proper protection techniques.
We have emphasized many times in our articles the need of taking responsibility and protecting proactively. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the best time to remind the tips we have shared before:

• Invest in Cybersecurity Awareness: It has been proven that 90% of cyber-attacks are related to human error. Most employees are unaware of the potential dangers and risks caused by cyber-attacks. No matter the size of your company, or the industry you are working in. You and your employees must acknowledge the importance of full involvement. Hackers frequently target personal devices to access company networks. Any cybersecurity training should emphasize this. Ransomware is the most common and devastating kind of cyber-attack. One of the most important steps toward business security is teaching employees to detect and avoid fake emails. Employees must be aware that even if such emails are not infected, they contain messages enticing users to click on dangerous links.

• Use secure passwords: Various studies prove that most data breaches are caused by weak passwords. It is important not only to select strong passwords but also to update them regularly. Using two-factor authentication can also be an essential option. Never forget to change your passwords from time to time, and don’t save them on pcs and websites. Also, vary them from site to site.

• Back up your data regularly on highly protected cloud storage or an external hard drive (disconnected from the computer after each backup). Typically, the “3-2-1” backup rule is implemented: information is stored in three separate locations, on two different types of storage, and one copy is kept offsite. Control and monitor any data saved and shared within and outside your company's network.

• Install anti-virus software and keep it always updated! Update and patch your software/systems regularly to keep hackers away. For your convenience, enable automatic updating. However, with the sophisticated techniques used by cyber-criminals today, using perimeter cybersecurity products is not enough. Remember that you should always stay at least one step ahead of cyber-criminals: make your data unreadable and useless for them! With a cybersecurity solution like Fragglestorm, your data will be ultra-secure not because it cannot be breached (it always can), but because it is useless for unauthorized users.

Technology today is evolving at a rapid pace, enabling faster change and progress, causing an acceleration of the rate of change. However, it is not only technology trends and emerging technologies that are evolving, a lot more has changed, making IT professionals realize that their role will not stay the same in the contactless world tomorrow. An IT professional in 2024 will constantly be learning, unlearning, and relearning (out of necessity if not desire).

What does this mean for you? It means staying current with emerging technologies and the latest technology trends. It means keeping your eyes on the future to know which skills you’ll need to know to secure a safe job tomorrow and even learn how to get there. Here some emerging technology trends you should watch for and make an attempt at in 2024, and possibly secure one of the jobs that will be created by these new technology trends. Starting the list of new tech trends with the talk of the town, gen-AI! 

1. Generative-AI

Generative AI, a cutting-edge technology, has revolutionized various industries by enabling machines to create content that resembles human-generated work. It encompasses a wide range of applications, from text generation to image synthesis and even music composition. After mastering generative AI, individuals can pursue exciting job roles in fields such as artificial intelligence research, data science, and creative industries. The ever-expanding applications of generative AI promise a bright future for those who master this technology, offering opportunities to shape how we interact and create content in the digital age.

2. Computing Power 

Computing power has already established its place in the digital era, with almost every device and appliance being computerized. And it’s here for even more as data science experts have predicted that the computing infrastructure we are building right now will only evolve for the better in the coming years. At the same time, we have 5G already; gear up for an era of 6G with more power in our hands and devices surrounding us. Even better, computing power is generating more tech jobs in the industry but would require specialized qualifications for candidates to acquire.

3. Smart(er) Devices 

Artificial intelligence has played an essential role in making our world smarter and smoother. It is not just simulating humans but going the extra mile to make our lives hassle-free and simpler. These smarter devices are here to stay in 2024 and even further, as data scientists are working on AI home robots, appliances, work devices, wearables, and so much more! Almost every job needs smart software applications to make our work life more manageable. Smarter devices are another addition to the IT industry that is of high requirement and demand as more companies transform into digital spaces.

4. Datafication 

Datafication is simply transforming everything in our lives into devices or software powered by data. So, in short, Datafication is the modification of human chores and tasks into data-driven technology. From our smartphones, industrial machines, and office applications to AI-powered appliances and everything else, data is here to stay for longer than we can ever remember! So, to keep our data stored correctly securely, and safely, it has become an in-demand specialization in our economy. 

Technology today is evolving at a rapid pace, enabling faster change and progress, causing an acceleration of the rate of change. However, it is not only technology trends and emerging technologies that are evolving, a lot more has changed, making IT professionals realize that their role will not stay the same in the contactless world tomorrow. An IT professional in 2024 will constantly be learning, unlearning, and relearning (out of necessity if not desire).

What does this mean for you? It means staying current with emerging technologies and the latest technology trends. It means keeping your eyes on the future to know which skills you’ll need to know to secure a safe job tomorrow and even learn how to get there. Here some emerging technology trends you should watch for and make an attempt at in 2024, and possibly secure one of the jobs that will be created by these new technology trends. Starting the list of new tech trends with the talk of the town, gen-AI! 

1. Generative-AI

Generative AI, a cutting-edge technology, has revolutionized various industries by enabling machines to create content that resembles human-generated work. It encompasses a wide range of applications, from text generation to image synthesis and even music composition. After mastering generative AI, individuals can pursue exciting job roles in fields such as artificial intelligence research, data science, and creative industries. The ever-expanding applications of generative AI promise a bright future for those who master this technology, offering opportunities to shape how we interact and create content in the digital age.

2. Computing Power 

Computing power has already established its place in the digital era, with almost every device and appliance being computerized. And it’s here for even more as data science experts have predicted that the computing infrastructure we are building right now will only evolve for the better in the coming years. At the same time, we have 5G already; gear up for an era of 6G with more power in our hands and devices surrounding us. Even better, computing power is generating more tech jobs in the industry but would require specialized qualifications for candidates to acquire.

3. Smart(er) Devices 

Artificial intelligence has played an essential role in making our world smarter and smoother. It is not just simulating humans but going the extra mile to make our lives hassle-free and simpler. These smarter devices are here to stay in 2024 and even further, as data scientists are working on AI home robots, appliances, work devices, wearables, and so much more! Almost every job needs smart software applications to make our work life more manageable. Smarter devices are another addition to the IT industry that is of high requirement and demand as more companies transform into digital spaces.

4. Datafication 

Datafication is simply transforming everything in our lives into devices or software powered by data. So, in short, Datafication is the modification of human chores and tasks into data-driven technology. From our smartphones, industrial machines, and office applications to AI-powered appliances and everything else, data is here to stay for longer than we can ever remember! So, to keep our data stored correctly securely, and safely, it has become an in-demand specialization in our economy.