October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Mister Kleen is sharing information about four key behaviors that federal agencies are promoting.

These four key cybersecurity behaviors are:

1. Create strong passwords and use a password manager  
2. Enable multi-factor authentication  
3. Update your software  
4. Recognize and report phishing attempts 

This week we’re focusing on updating your software, a topic that recently made headlines over what’s called “zero-day” vulnerabilities.  

WHY SOFTWARE UPDATES ARE IMPORTANT

Zero-day vulnerabilities are security flaws in a software application or operating system that the developer is not aware of – and thus has “zero days” to prepare a patch. Most recently, it was reported that popular web browsers Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Apple’s Safari were affected by a zero-day vulnerability.  

The companies addressed the flaw, thereby preventing hackers from gaining control over an infected device. Once developers create these patches, they often will issue notices to update your software to ensure your device remains secure.  

If you receive an update notice on your device, you should do so immediately. To make the process even easier, you can turn on automatic updates in your device’s security settings. 

HOW TO KEEP SOFTWARE UP TO DATE

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency offers these quick tips on how to keep your software up to date. 

1.  Watch for notifications. Your devices will usually notify you that you need to run updates on its operating systems, programs, and apps. You should install all updates, especially for our web browsers and antivirus software. 
2. Install updates as soon as possible. When you are notified about software updates, especially critical updates, you should install them as soon as possible to ensure your device is protected from security flaws.
3. Turn on automatic updates. To turn this feature on, go to your device’s settings, possibly under Software or Security. Search settings for “automatic updates” if needed.

MISTER KLEEN SECURITY AWARENESS

Through our Employee Security Awareness Program, also known as E.S.A.P.,  Mister Kleen enhances our employees’ security awareness by training them to better identify potential threats and vulnerabilities AND how to properly report them to their onsite supervisor and security personnel. 

Mister Kleen has been a leading provider of contract cleaning services to Commercial and High-Security facilities since 1976. Our primary service area is the DC Metro region. We also provide a variety of interior and exterior specialty services. For more information, contact us at 703-719-6900.