Beyond Cybersecurity Month: Everyday Tips to Stay Safe and Secure
By: Paul LaPorte, Cybersecurity Coordinator
Cybersecurity deserves our attention all year long, and a dedicated month helps raise awareness of how we can stay safer and more informed. But the added spotlight can help us take stock of our overall awareness and find new, better ways to stay safe online. As we head into the holiday season, here are some words of wisdom and practical insights to help you navigate the online space safely:
No service or device can keep you entirely safe — your cybersecurity is your own responsibility.
We’ll start with a concept that might sound intimidating, but it’s actually empowering. Many people — both at home and in business — assume that protecting their information requires spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars. While there are certainly valuable tools and services that can help, the most important defense is understanding the information you’re protecting, knowing where it’s stored (and where it shouldn’t be), and recognizing who inside and outside your organization can access it.
No product in the world can protect information that’s handled carelessly — so the responsibility ultimately lies with you. Once you understand that concept, you’ll be better equipped to find affordable, effective ways to safeguard your data.
Live by the Rule of Least Privilege
One of the core principles in cybersecurity is the “Rule of Least Privilege.” It simply means that sensitive information should only be accessible to people who need it to do their jobs. Fewer people with access means fewer opportunities for that access to be exploited.
Take a moment to review who currently has access to your critical information and ask yourself, “Does everyone on this list really need it?” Reducing unnecessary access not only limits your exposure but also makes it easier to pinpoint where a breach occurred if something goes wrong.
Take the “Cyber” out of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity doesn’t exist only in the digital world. Attacks can happen in the physical one, too. A bad actor doesn’t need to hack your network if they can simply grab a document from a desk, filing cabinet, or even a dumpster. Sometimes, the goal isn’t to steal — it’s to disrupt — and physical damage to your equipment or files can be just as devastating.
When assessing your security, consider physical access as well: building entry, printing permissions, and how information is secured when your office is closed.
As Regulations Change, Keep Communication Open
If you work within the government supply chain, you’ve likely heard of compliance frameworks such as ITAR or CMMC. These regulations can be complex — both in understanding what’s required and how to get there.
If you’re uncertain about what’s expected, go straight to the source: contact your vendor or contracting agent and ask what requirements apply to you, and when. Since CMMC requirements are being phased in through contract renewals, it’s smart to know when your renewal date is so you can plan ahead.
Cybersecurity and IT providers can be valuable partners, but reaching out to them before you fully understand your obligations can lead to inflated costs, longer timelines, or incomplete compliance. Just like in cybersecurity itself, knowledge and responsibility are your best tools when working with contractors and vendors.
Stay Curious and Stay Safe
Cybersecurity can feel intimidating, but the best approach is to stay curious, proactive, and open to learning. If you have questions or would like more information, don’t hesitate to reach out via email at [email protected].
Have a happy fall, a joyous holiday season — and stay safe out there!