Posts

Software Updates for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024

Stay Protected with Software Updates: A Cybersecurity Essentials Keeping your software up-to-date might seem like a minor task, but it’s actually one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your devices from cyber threats. If you're like most people, though, those update notifications can feel like an interruption—something easy to ignore by clicking "Remind Me Later." But by delaying updates, you’re putting your data and devices at risk. In this guide, we’ll break down why software updates are crucial for cybersecurity, how they benefit you, and simple ways to keep your devices updated without the hassle. If you'd rather watch (or just listen), a video version of this blog post is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/vYvxOkZkLbo . Why Software Updates Matter So, why should you bother with software updates? In a nutshell, updates are your first line of defense against cyber threats. Every update comes with security patches that fix vulnerabilities and b...

A New Beginnings - and a Newfound Dimension of Trust

I've joined Arcserve as Director of Sales Enablement.   Arcserve is redefining the standard in data protection, business continuity, and ransomware protection, making this a natural next step in my ongoing mission to advocate for digital trust, identity, and security — core values that have defined my career across industry giants like VeriSign and Symantec, and most recently at DigiCert.  For those familiar with my journey, this transition is more than just a new title. It's a deeper dive into a subject that I’ve always been passionate about — an organization's opportunity to maintain and express their own trustworthiness (I call it " Telling Your Trust Story "), and resilience is a foundational element of it. Arcserve’s focus on data resilience aligns perfectly with my long-standing belief that trust is not just about prevention but also about a company’s ability to recover and thrive after an attack or disaster. After all, how much stronger is an organization...

Password Managers for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024:  Why You Need a Password Manager and How to Choose the Right One Managing passwords can be a real headache, but it doesn’t have to be. A password manager can make securing your online accounts easier than ever. Yet, despite how simple and effective they are, many people still struggle with weak or reused passwords, putting their security at risk. In this post, we’ll explain why a password manager is essential for protecting your digital life, how it works, and what to look for when choosing one. After all, in today’s world of frequent data breaches and cyberattacks, having strong, unique passwords is no longer optional—it’s a must. For y'all who prefer video content, a YouTube version of this blog is available at https://youtu.be/wLaSpAmVBUQ . What Is a Password Manager? A password manager is a tool that securely stores all your passwords in an encrypted vault, ensuring that they’re safe and accessible only to you. It also generates strong, uniqu...

Strong Passwords for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024

In today's digital world, passwords are like the front door to your online life. They protect your bank accounts, social media, emails, and more. But here’s the catch—if your password is weak, you might as well leave the door wide open for cybercriminals. So, how can you secure your digital identity with stronger passwords? Let’s dive in. For those who prefer video content, check out the YouTube version of this post! Why Strong Passwords Matter Think of passwords as your first line of defense against cyberattacks. With the rise of hacking tools that can crack simple passwords in seconds, using a weak or common password is like giving thieves the keys to your house. By taking a few minutes to upgrade your password game, you’re not just protecting one account—you’re securing your entire digital footprint. What Is a Weak Password? A weak password is usually short, simple, and easy to guess. Examples include "password123," your name, or even your pet’s name. These kinds of ...

MFA (Multifactor Authentication) for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024

In today's fast-paced digital world, securing your online accounts is more important than ever. And one of the best ways to do that? Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). Yet surprisingly, many people still haven’t enabled this simple but powerful security tool. In this post, we'll explain what MFA is, how it works, and why it’s essential for keeping your accounts safe from cyberattacks. For those who prefer video content, check out the YouTube version of this post! What is Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires two or more forms of verification to access your accounts. Think of it like adding a second lock to your door. A password is your first lock, but MFA adds a second, more secure layer, like a fingerprint, a one-time code sent to your phone, or another method of verification that only you can access. With MFA, even if someone manages to steal your password, they still can't log into your account without ...

As the Chief Trust Officer role arises, so must its scope of trust

  The "first world" (an antiquated term, I know, but it's still accurate) is an increasingly digital world in which the concept of trust is more vital than ever. Of course everyone's up in arms about data breaches and leaks, cyber attacks, privacy and identity - but the need for trust is not only about securing data:  it's about the need for fundamental trustworthiness of our digital lives, from the websites we visit to the apps we use, to the streaming upon which we binge, to the devices we rely upon, to the social media engagements to which we're addicted. While I'm deeply passionate about urging companies to demonstrate this trustworthiness, I'm equally concerned about the lack of awareness among everyday people regarding their own digital footprints and personal data exposure. The Call for Digital Trustworthiness In my 16 years working in the field of internet security, I've witnessed a significant shift in the roles responsible for managing se...

Trust vs Panic - for both users & organizations

Projecting the trustworthiness of digital platforms is crucial for any organization, while the public's limited awareness of individual digital footprints poses risks - conversely said, a lack of trust and a lack of trustworthiness is a frighteningly panic-rich combination for companies and users respectively. Attackers exploit trust via identity deception, impersonating trusted entities through tactics like domain and brand impersonation in emails and phishing messages. DigiCert's Smart Seal, Verified Mark Certificates, high-validation TLS Certificates, and Code Signing solutions can help demonstrate your organization's trustworthiness to trust-hungry users, https://lnkd.in/gFw27tt6 #digitaltrust #phishing #VMC #validatedmarkcertificates #TLS #SSL #TLScertificates #SSLcertificates #trustseals #trustmarks #digicertsmartseal #codesigning   Engaged with this post on LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jeffbarto_introducing-cloudflares-2023-phishing-threats-activity-7...