Cyber Security Awareness Month Kicks Off Today -- Steps to Stay Protected Online
ThreatMetrix identified the following steps for users to prevent cybersecurity attacks
October 2, 2012
PRESS RELEASE
San Jose, CA – October 1, 2012 – ThreatMetrix&trade, the fastest-growing provider of integrated cybercrime prevention solutions, today announced several online threats and preventative tips to kick off National Cyber Security Awareness Month. October was designated National Cyber Security Awareness Month nine years ago by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security because as connectivity rapidly increases online, so does the risk for cyberattacks and security breaches.
Online technology continuously evolves and cybercriminals always find new ways to attack undetected. According to Julie Conroy McNelley, research director, Aite Group, each day, there are 111,111 unique new strands of malware and 10,000 new malicious domains displayed online so it is extremely important for users to keep cyber security top-of-mind.
ThreatMetrix identified the following steps for users to prevent cyber security attacks:
· Take stock of your online identity – know where your personal information is stored online and how this information is protected
· Create a unique password for each online account – if one account is hacked or infected, this makes it trickier for cybercriminals to attack multiple accounts
· Keep your computer up-to-date – security software providers do their best to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals so updated software helps to better protect online identities
· Educate others – As Generation Y teaches their grandparents to use computers or parents teach their children, cyber security awareness should be a top priority
"Cybersecurity is only as strong as the weakest link in the chain and if one account – such as Facebook or Google – is attacked, this can put an individual or company's entire online identity at risk," said Alisdair Faulkner, chief products officer, ThreatMetrix. "Just as people with the flu are isolated to stop the spread of disease, users need to keep their online identities isolated by using unique passwords and security questions for all of their accounts."
Today's advanced technology enables consumers to trade millions of dollars, conduct online banking, access entertainment, and do countless other activities at the click of a button. Unfortunately, this also means cybercriminals can attack an account, a website, sensitive government information and more in a matter of seconds.
"Fraudsters go where the money is," said Andreas Baumhof, chief technology officer, ThreatMetrix. "Just as criminals have robbed banks for years, cybercriminals increasingly target online financial services and retailers, putting consumers at risk if these enterprises do not take proper cybersecurity steps."
About ThreatMetrix
ThreatMetrix is the fastest-growing provider of integrated cybercrime prevention solutions. The ThreatMetrix&trade Cybercrime Defender Platform helps companies protect customer data and secure transactions against fraud, malware, data breaches, as well as man-in-the browser (MitB) and Trojan attacks. The Platform consists of advanced cybersecurity technologies, including TrustDefender&trade ID, which is cloud-based, real-time device identification, malware protection with TrustDefender&trade Cloud and TrustDefender&trade Client, as well as TrustDefender&trade Mobile for smartphone applications. Recently named to Wall Street Journal's "Next Big Thing" list of the top 50 start-ups in the U.S., ThreatMetrix serves a rapidly growing global customer base across a variety of industries, including financial services, e-commerce, payments, social networks, government, and healthcare.
For more information, visit www.threatmetrix.com or call 1-408-200-5755.
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