October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

ESET’s Phishing Derby Quiz tests Canadians cyber security awareness

October is a month associated with many things, including stunning fall foliage displays and various celebrations. 

Canadians from coast to coast have turned their attention to Thanksgiving preparations and Halloween costume planning. Yet, there is one more thing October is about, and it is by no means the ever-present smell of pumpkin spice. A subject that if overlooked can be far more terrifying than the ghastliest Freddy Krueger costume – cybersecurity.

Unfortunately, that is no exaggeration. With technology now being an integral part of everyday life and many tasks transitioning from the analog to the digital space, it is now more important than ever to protect our digital lives from continuously evolving cyber-threats. For cybercriminals, everybody is a potential target — government officials, celebrities, tech CEOs or the average citizen.

In an effort to help Canadians learn about the dangers of cyber crime, Canada has declared October and Cyber Security Awareness Month.

We are connected more than ever before, with Internet-enabled devices steadily becoming more integrated into our lives and homes with each passing day. We use voice assistants to help manage our daily activities, our smartphones are connected to our security cameras and smart doorbells as well as smart household appliances; you can now check if your washing machine has finished its cycle or if your dinner has been properly heated. You can use your smartphone to check the contents of your fridge while in the middle of the grocery store. Everything is available at the tap of a finger on your smartphone’s screen.

However, all of these marvels of technology also introduce a slew of potential risks and avenues for cyberattacks. But being aware of how these devices impact our lives and what risks they carry allows us to handle them more responsibly and take steps to mitigate those risks. It’s also worth noting that the current pandemic has changed how people work and even study, with technology shouldering the brunt of the transition of doing almost everything from home. The transition also introduces its own vulnerabilities of which people need to be aware.

By raising the collective awareness of these threats and vulnerabilities, initiatives such as Cyber Security Awareness Month is ensuring that everyone does their part and contributes to increased safety and security online. When everyone is responsible, and everyone does their part, it increases global cyber-immunity and reduces the risk of getting cyber-infected.

To raise awareness around October’s Cyber Security Awareness Month, ESET challenges Canadians to take its Phishing Derby Quiz. 

This quiz will challenge your security expertise. The quicker and more accurately you respond, the higher your score will be.

Prizes for ESET’s Phishing Derby include:

  • First Place: The top 25 contestants on the leaderboard are entered into a drawing to win a Microsoft Surface Laptop.
  • Second Place: Those ranked from 26th to 50th place on the leaderboard, will be entered to win one of three Apple iPad Airs.
  • Third Place: Everyone else will be entered into a drawing to win one of five Bose SoundLink BlueTooth Speakers.

Entries will be accepted from October 8 to November 5, 2020*. Enter to Play*No purchase necessary. One entry per contestant. Read our full terms and conditions here. 

For more cybersecurity tips, please visit welivesecurity.com.

About ESET

For 30 years, ESET® has been developing industry-leading IT security software and services for businesses and consumers worldwide. With solutions ranging from endpoint and mobile security to encryption and two-factor authentication, ESET’s high-performing, easy-to-use products give consumers and businesses the peace of mind to enjoy the full potential of their technology. ESET unobtrusively protects and monitors 24/7, updating defenses in real time to keep users safe and businesses running without interruption. Evolving threats require an evolving IT security company. Backed by R&D centers worldwide, ESET became the first IT security company to earn 100 Virus Bulletin VB100 awards, identifying every single “in-the-wild” malware without interruption since 2003. For more information, visit www.eset.com or follow us on LinkedInFacebook and Twitter.