Every October, organizations across the country come together to recognize Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the shared responsibility we all have in protecting our digital lives, from individuals and families to businesses and government agencies.

Why Cybersecurity Awareness Matters

Cyber threats are evolving rapidly, targeting everything from personal devices to critical infrastructure. In 2025 alone, ransomware attacks, deepfake scams, and phishing campaigns have surged, with human error still playing a major role in breaches. That’s why October is dedicated to empowering people with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online. Using these four simple yet powerful core actions, everyone can improve their cybersecurity and make a big difference in protecting personal and organizational information.

  • Use strong passwords: weak or recycled passwords are one of the most common ways attackers gain access to accounts. Avoid using personal information like birthdays or names, along with a password that is at least 12 characters in length, including a mix of numbers, letters, and special characters.
  • Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFAs add an extra layer of protection beyond just a password, making it much harder for attackers to access your accounts. Enabling MFAs where supported and choosing an authenticator app helps create a more sound barrier against attacks.
  • Be familiar with the characteristics of phishing and scams: Phishing emails and messages try to trick users into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Watch out for messages with urgent language, unexpected attachments, or unfamiliar links. Before you click, hover over links to see where they lead, double-check the sender’s address, and report anything that seems off to abuse@wsu.edu.
  • Update your software regularly: Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities that attackers leverage. Turn on automatic updates whenever you can, and check regularly for any you might’ve missed. Keep your system, browser, antivirus, and apps up to date—and don’t forget to restart so updates can finish installing.

Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls and software, it’s about people. Whether you’re working at home, collaborating with colleagues, or helping kids navigate the internet, your everyday choices make a difference.

This October, take a few minutes to review your digital habits. Are your passwords strong and unique? Is multifactor authentication turned on? Have you had conversations with your team or family about spotting phishing scams? Even small actions can help build a safer digital world for everyone.

Content Credit: Carey Musburger, Sr. Assistant, Learning & Organizational Development