Cyber Security Awareness Month is dedicated to raising the importance of online safety and best practices. It aims to remind and educate individuals and organisations about the potential cyber risks and take a proactive approach when it comes to being cyber secure.
As we are increasingly connected through digital channels, the theme for this year is on ‘Stay Safe Online’. This looks at how we all need to be more aware and empower ourselves to understand some key ways to protect not only our businesses but also ourselves and family from online threats.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025 will focus on four key behaviours all month:
- Create strong passwords and use a password manager.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA).
- Recognise and report scams.
- Keep your software updated.
Why raising awareness of cyber security is important
Technology is fundamental to business operations. However, cyberattacks are now much more common. Without effective cyber security, you can’t protect your business against digital attacks.
Businesses have statutory and contractual obligations to protect the data they store on customers and employees. Good cyber security that is regularly reviewed and updated will help you meet those obligations.
It is not possible to achieve complete security, but you can minimise cyber threats by using cyber security systems and methods to mitigate the risks and enhance protection.
Cyber security is part of overall information security. It focuses on protecting systems and the information they receive, store and transmit by minimising the risk of unauthorised access. Information security is broader and looks to protect all information assets, whether they are in hard copy or digital.
By raising awareness of cyber security, organisations can effectively mitigate risks caused by both unintentional errors and malicious intentions. Educating employees on best practices, such as recognising phishing attempts, using strong passwords and practicing safe browsing habits equips them with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape securely.
Cyber Security Awareness Month provides an opportunity for organisations to demonstrate their commitment to compliance and proactive risk management.
Things to do during Cyber Security Awareness Month
As outlined in the four key behaviours mentioned above, organisations should use this month as an opportunity to review internal security measures, such as ensuring that the use of multi-factor authentication is enforced throughout the organisation for sensitive accounts and systems.
Ensuring that software is up-to-date (where appropriate) and security patches are applied for key systems.
Reviewing and implementing modern best practices when it comes to password security.
Deploy a variety of training programmes focused on key cyber security topics, including identifying phishing emails, creating strong passwords and adopting safe browsing practices. This includes ensuring employees who are working from home – or who are out on the road – are using VPN / secure Wi-Fi and that their software is up to date on their devices.
By offering training, you can equip your employees with the essential knowledge and skills to safeguard both themselves and the organisation against cyber threats. Part of your training plan could include simulated phishing campaigns.
This involves sending realistic mock phishing emails to employees that mimic actual cyber-attacks. These emails often include common features of phishing scams, such as urgent emails requesting sensitive information, or with suspicious attachments or links to harmful websites. The aim is to check how employees respond to potential threats that could compromise their security.
We recommend carrying out these types of campaigns every three months to provide valuable insights into how vulnerable your business is to phishing attacks. They are vital for evaluating the effectiveness of current security measures and highlighting areas and specific employees that need further training.
Simulated phishing campaigns can play a key role in educating employees on phishing tactics and guiding them on how to handle suspicious emails responsibly.
Review your cyber security policies and processes
Having a robust cyber security policy and correct processes in place will encourage your employees to practice good cyber security.
Your cyber security policy should explain what to do and who to report it to if employees notice:
- a suspicious email or link / attachment
- a computer performing unusually
- an unauthorised device or person at work
- a breach of the guidelines contained within the policy.
- Data loss or leakage
- Unauthorised access attempts
- Lost or Stolen devices
