It’s October in Ohio—pumpkins on porches, football on TV, and Halloween candy mysteriously disappearing from the office breakroom.
But there’s something scarier than running out of Reese’s Cups: cybercriminals lurking in the shadows of your network.
That’s right—October isn’t just spooky season. It’s also National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
And if you’re a business leader, it’s the perfect time to check your defenses before hackers play trick-or-treat with your company data.
👻 The Ghouls of Cybersecurity
Every business faces digital “monsters” that can sneak in when you least expect it:
Phishing Phantoms – Those “urgent” emails that look real… until your data vanishes into the night.
🎃Learn how to spot them in our blog: AI-Powered Cyber Attacks.
Password Poltergeists – Weak or reused passwords that open the door to intruders.
🎃Not sure how to fix it? Check out: Your Password Is Not Fine (Yes, Even If It Has a Number in It).
Zombie Devices – Old computers, firewalls, and unpatched software shambling along until they collapse.
🎃Why updates matter: Security Patches & Updates.
🕸️ How to Keep the Hackers Out of Your Haunted House
Here are 5 action items you can take this month to keep your business safe:
1. Update Your Systems.
Patches keep the monsters at bay. Outdated software is basically leaving the front door unlocked.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
It’s like adding a second lock to your haunted house.
3. Train Your Team.
Employees should know the difference between a real email and one sent by the Phishing Phantom.
4. Back Up Your Data.
Because even if a ghost slips through, you can restore your files and carry on.
5. Get Professional Protection.
Partner with a managed IT team (👋 hi, that’s us) to keep everything secure—without turning you into a full-time ghostbuster.
🎃 Why Cloud Cover?
At Cloud Cover, we help Ohio businesses banish the digital boogeymen with flat-rate IT support, cybersecurity solutions, and IT automation that keeps your business safe and productive.
Because in IT, “boring” is actually the goal—no scares, no surprises, just smooth operations.
👉 Explore how we help: Cybersecurity Services.
👉 Or get the big picture: The MSP Playbook for Ohio Businesses.
This October, don’t let your business become a haunted house.
Let Cloud Cover keep the ghosts out of your network—so you can focus on running your business, not running from hackers.
Frequently Asked Questions: National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM)
What is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM)?
- National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an annual campaign held every October to promote cyber-hygiene and digital safety among individuals, businesses, and governments worldwide.
- It was launched in 2004 by Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in partnership with National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA).
Why is it important to observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
- As more parts of our lives-work, banking, education, communication—move online, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches increases.
- NCSAM helps remind people to update software, protect personal information, and adopt safe Internet habits.
- It promotes awareness that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility among individuals, organizations, and governments, not just an “IT problem.”
What simple steps can non-tech individuals take to stay safe online during and after October?
- Even non-technical users can adopt a few basic cybersecurity practices: use strong, unique passwords; enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where possible; keep software, apps, and operating systems up to date; avoid suspicious links or emails; and be careful when using public Wi-Fi or sharing personal data online.
Who should care about Cybersecurity Awareness Month besides tech professionals?
- Everyone: individuals using smartphones or computers, families, students, small business owners, and organizations - because cybersecurity threats can target anyone.
- The awareness month also emphasizes that securing critical infrastructure, businesses, and community services depends on collective vigilance and good cyber-hygiene.
What theme or focus does NCSAM promote this year (or generally)?
- The overarching theme often centers on “taking simple, proactive steps”- such as “If you connect it, protect it” or “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.”
- It encourages everyone - individuals, families, businesses - to own their role in cybersecurity: secure accounts, update devices, watch out for scams, and stay informed.