October is Cyber Security Month!

Every October, organisations, governments, and individuals around the world come together to recognise Cybersecurity Awareness Month—a dedicated time to promote safer online practices and raise awareness about the importance of protecting our digital lives.

In today’s hyper-connected world, cybersecurity isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a human issue. Whether you’re checking emails, shopping online, managing business data, or scrolling through social media, your actions play a vital role in keeping information safe.

What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?

Cybersecurity Awareness Month was launched in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance. It has since grown into a global initiative aimed at:

  • Educating people about common cyber threats like phishing, malware, and identity theft.
  • Empowering individuals and organisations to take proactive steps to secure their devices, networks, and data.
  • Encouraging a culture of shared responsibility for cybersecurity—because everyone has a role to play.

Each year, the month features themes, campaigns, and resources designed to help people stay informed and protected. Topics often include password hygiene, multi-factor authentication, safe browsing habits, and how to spot scams.

TIAA’s Cyber Security Service

TIAA have a team of specialist Cyber Security experts ready to provide assurance, training and advice. As a fully integrated element of Digital Audit and Assurance, we utilise our in-house skills and resources, to provide a seamless service for the organisation. This can include linkage to fraud resilience and investigatory services, utilisation of passive penetration testing (vulnerability scanning), and deep dive cyber security assessments. With our help, we can make sure your organisation has appropriate readiness to respond and recover, thereby minimising potential disruption, financial loss, or reputational damage.

Discover more – Cyber Security 

Vulnerability Scanning Subscription Service

Advice and Support

Here are some essential tips for organisations to boost your cyber security defences:

1️⃣ Educate your team: Knowledge is power! Ensure every member of your organisation understands the risks and best practices to protect sensitive information online. Regular training sessions can go a long way in preventing cyber attacks.

2️⃣ Update, update, update! Keep all software and systems up to date with the latest security. Cybercriminals often exploit weaknesses in outdated software, so staying current is crucial to stay one step ahead.

3️⃣ Strong passwords are a must: Encourage employees to create complex passwords and use multi-factor authentication wherever possible. Remind them not to use personal information or easily guessable combinations. Let’s make it harder for hackers to crack the code!

4️⃣ Be cautious with emails: Phishing attacks are on the rise! Advise your team to be wary of suspicious emails, especially those requesting sensitive information or containing unexpected attachments or links. When in doubt, verify the source before taking any action.

5️⃣ Regularly backup your data: Ensure important files and data are regularly backed up to a secure location. This way, even if your organisation falls victim to ransomware or other cyber attacks, you won’t lose everything.

6️⃣ Implement strong firewalls and antivirus software: A robust defence system is essential. Install reliable firewalls and antivirus software on all devices to detect and block potential threats, providing an extra layer of protection.

7️⃣ Stay informed: Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Stay up to date on the latest trends and vulnerabilities in cyber security. Regularly review your organisation’s protocols and adjust them accordingly to stay one step ahead.

TIAA Article – Celebrating Cyber Security Month: Protecting Our Digital World

The National Cyber Security Centre offers a comprehensive range of resources available at this link – National Cyber Security Centre – NCSC.GOV.UK

You can contact us via our contacts page to find out more. For further information about the Cyber Security Services we can offer you, please visit our dedicated page Cyber Security