Welcome to Cyber Awareness Month 2024!

Whether you’re a seasoned internet user or just dipping your toes into the digital world, this month is all about learning how to keep yourself and your family safe online.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying informed is your first line of defence.

Let’s kick off Day 1 with the basics - what you need to know to get started on your journey to becoming hard to hack.

 

1. Cybersecurity Isn’t Just for Tech Experts

Think cybersecurity is too complicated?

Think again.

Protecting yourself online isn’t just for techies - it’s for everyone.

From parents managing their kids’ devices to professionals working remotely, staying safe online is a life skill we all need.

The good news?

You don’t need to be a hacker to protect yourself from one.

Tip:

Start by securing your accounts with strong, unique passwords and enabling 2-Step Verification (2SV) wherever possible.

This one small step adds an extra layer of protection against hackers.

 

2. The Biggest Threats You Face Are Simpler Than You Think

While you might imagine complex hacking attacks, most cyber threats are pretty simple - phishing emails, weak passwords, and outdated software are often the biggest culprits.

Hackers aren’t always sophisticated, but they’re opportunists. Don’t make it easy for them.

Tip:

Be wary of suspicious emails, texts, or links that ask for personal info.

When in doubt, don’t click - always verify before you trust.

 

3. Your Devices Are Only as Secure as You Make Them

Every device you use - phone, laptop, tablet - is a potential entry point for hackers.

Keeping them secure doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require a little maintenance.

Tip:

Keep your software updated. Those pesky update notifications aren’t just for new features - they often contain critical security patches.

Set your devices to update automatically if you can.

 

4. Your Online Identity Is Valuable - Protect It

From social media accounts to online banking, your digital identity is one of your most valuable assets.

A hacked account can lead to stolen personal data, financial loss, and even identity theft.

The stronger your defences, the harder it will be for someone to take advantage of your online presence.

Tip:

Use a password manager to store unique passwords for each account.

This way, you don’t have to remember every single one - and you won’t be tempted to reuse passwords across multiple sites.

 

5. It’s Never Too Late to Start Being Cyber Safe

If this is your first step toward becoming more cyber-aware, don’t worry - you’re not behind.

Cybersecurity is a journey, and every small action you take makes a difference.

The important thing is to start now and make safety a daily habit.

 

Wrapping It Up

Cybersecurity is about staying a step ahead, and Day 1 of Cyber Awareness Month is the perfect time to start.

Whether it’s strengthening your passwords, updating your devices, or being more cautious with what you click, small steps can lead to big results.

Over the course of this month, we’ll cover everything you need to know to stay protected in a constantly changing digital landscape.

 

At Be Hard to Hack, we’re dedicated to helping you stay secure with easy-to-understand tips and tools.

Ready to make yourself harder to hack?

Stick with us this month, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming cyber savvy!

Michael Wills