Tag Archive for: awareness

Pumpkin spice latte and a side of National Cyber Security Awareness Month

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At risk of not being considered one of the cool kids rolling their eyes at the idea of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Pondurance is a NCSAM “champion” and we’re going to use this month to push out what we hope are helpful reminders of best cybersecurity practices for both companies and individuals. You know why? Because we all still need reminders about what to be skeptical about – is that a real email?  Was that urgent text really from my CEO? Is that gorgeous stranger on Facebook really interested in me? And we still need reminders to protect important personal and financial information (among other things) with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and to update software on our devices. You get the gist.

Not a day goes by that I don’t get scam robocalls to my mobile phone. I’ve lost count of the car warranty reminders, the social security compromise calls and the many other ridiculous calls, offers and threats. Email is the same—phishing is rampant and I’m grateful to be in a business that has trained me how to scrutinize a message to determine whether it’s real or a fake. Sometimes the branding on a phishing email mimicking FedEx, the USPS, my bank, Pay Pal or some other real service is so authentic that I’m reminded why so many people fall for them.

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Cybersecurity Awareness Month – Mike Dunleavy

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WHEREAS, Alaska enters a new expansion of broadband to secure access for all Alaskans as critical infrastructure sectors expand reliance on information systems and technology to support financial services, energy, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, health care, and emergency response systems; and

WHEREAS, we showcase the need to inspire, engage, and inform the public about the demand, opportunities, and career options available within the area of cybersecurity and highlight how building the nation’s and Alaska’s cybersecurity workforce enhances security and promotes economic prosperity; and

WHEREAS, cybersecurity education and awareness is crucial for everyone, including large corporations, small businesses, financial institutions, schools, government agencies, the home user, and anyone who connects to the internet, be it with a computer, mobile phone, or other internet-connected device; and

WHEREAS, internet users and our information infrastructure face an increasing threat of cyber-attacks, which can result in significant financial and personal privacy losses due to identity theft and fraud, especially as cybercriminals become more sophisticated and target consumers as well as public and private organizations, making more layers of defense along with timely information sharing necessary; and

WHEREAS, all Alaskans must be vigilant by monitoring accounts; being conscientious of what is shared online, keeping computer software up-to-date, creating unique passwords and changing them regularly, installing antivirus programs and firewalls, and using mobile devices and other internet-connect devices safely are ways Alaskans and organizations can protect themselves from phishing, viruses, ransomware, other types of malware, financial loss, and loss of sensitive data; and

WHEREAS, the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign serves as the national cybersecurity public awareness campaign implemented through a coalition of private companies, nonprofit, government organizations, and academic institutions working together to increase the public’s understanding of cyber threats and empower Americans to be safer and more secure online; and

WHEREAS, all Alaskans share in the responsibility…

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Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion | See Yourself in Cyber | Contrast Security

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Contrast Security champions Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Another year has passed, and once again Contrast is proud to be a Champion for Cybersecurity Awareness Month throughout October, to help in promoting global awareness of online safety and privacy. Co-led by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, this annual campaign is a global effort between businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations, and individuals and is designed to raise awareness and help everyone stay safe online.

Cybersecurity has become one of the biggest hot topics both inside and outside of technology circles over the last two years. From securing learning devices due to a rise in digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic to coping with the fallout of high-profile breaches of national infrastructure such as the Colonial Pipeline attack, there is a seemingly endless news cycle dedicated to cybersecurity mishaps and concerns.

With this onslaught of negative news, it can be easy for individuals to become overwhelmed and to feel powerless in the face of what can feel like insurmountable threats posed by cybersecurity. But in actuality, nothing could be further from the truth.

Why security matters more than ever right now

Even security professionals can become complacent when it comes to practicing good online hygiene and maintaining security best practices every day. It is important to remember why these sorts of standards matter when it comes to protecting both yourself and your place of work from exploitation.

With all of the jargon that is typically thrown around in relation to cybersecurity, there is a long-standing misperception that cybersecurity is beyond everyday people and that it should be left to the professionals. Moreover, there is a prevailing sense among the public that breaches are simply a fact of life and that we should just learn to live with them. But this just isn’t true. In fact, everyone has a huge role to play in cybersecurity threat prevention, detection and remediation, regardless of their level of technical expertise. Any and all technology users are very much the…

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Suicide Prevention Awareness Month  – Support for Persons at Elevated Risk for Suicide > United States Coast Guard > My Coast Guard News

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If you are close to someone who has experienced a recent suicidal crisis and who may not be fully recovered. How do you think about their risk and what kind of support can you provide?  It is likely that you or someone else played a key role in encouraging their pursuit of urgent mental health care and/or a formal suicide risk assessment. Regardless of what the risk was assessed to be at the time, it is important to know suicide risk is dynamic and subject to change based on a variety of factors. 

Factors Influencing Continuing Suicide Risk Following an Acute Crisis

  • Untreated depression or anxiety

  • Ongoing stressor that is unresolved and/or subject to intensify

  • Persistent problems with sleep or ability to function

  • Unrelenting hopelessness and/or pessimism

  • Misuse of alcohol and/or substances

  • Intermittent or persistent thoughts of death or suicide

  • Access to lethal means to harm oneself

Supporting Those with Elevated Risk of Suicide

You may have had an initial conversation with your family member, friend, or coworker about their crisis and your connection may have supplied an important dose of hope and encouragement.  It is vital that you convey your continuing availability and support, that they are not traversing this difficult time alone.  Your listening and empathic understanding during this time is indispensable.  Your time spent with them will afford you the opportunity to encourage initiating or sustaining their participation in treatment (medication and psychotherapy have strong evidence bases for reducing suicide risk), watching for signs of acute increased risk for suicide (establishes a basis for urgent evaluation/care), reminding them of reasons to live, and assisting with lethal means safety. 

Lethal Means Safety

Restricting access to the available means to harm oneself has been shown to reduce suicides.  Studies have shown that people have a preference for a given means and that many do not seek out other methods if a preferred means is not available.  The time between thinking of suicide and acting on it can span minutes, but also subside as quickly.  Restricting access to lethal means…

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