Microsoft has created the Be Cybersmart Kit to help everyone—from individuals to large organizations—understand and adopt best practices and cybersecurity awareness. Today, cybersecurity isn’t just the responsibility of IT departments; it’s something everyone should be aware of. From using AI safely to going passwordless, to recognizing phishing and fraud, everyone has a part to play. By following these practices, we can all be a bit more “cybersmart.”
To help guide you, Microsoft’s Be Cybersmart Kit provides essential resources and training across six key areas: AI Safety, Cybersecurity 101, Device Protection, Fraud Prevention, Phishing, and Passwords. Below is a tl;dr version of each, helping you quickly grasp the most important takeaways.
How to Use AI Safely
Generative AI is revolutionizing the way we work and live, opening up new opportunities for productivity and creativity. But, like all new technologies, AI comes with risks. Microsoft highlights three major concerns and how to navigate them:
- Overreliance on AI
AI can seem smart, but it’s not always correct. Avoid accepting AI outputs as facts without double-checking their accuracy. AIs sometimes produce information based on incorrect or incomplete data. How to stay safe: Verify the sources of any AI-generated content with independent, trusted references, and don’t use AI as a sole decision-maker. - Impersonation and Fraud
AI can be used for deepfake scams, in which bad actors mimic familiar voices or people to steal money or sensitive information. For instance, someone might impersonate your CEO on a video call and ask you to make a financial transfer. How to stay safe: Always verify the identity of people contacting you, especially if it involves sensitive requests. - Social Manipulation
AI can generate convincing fake content or create “bot armies” to sway public opinion. This has been used in fraud and cyber-influence campaigns. How to stay safe: Be skeptical of information online, especially if it seems like everyone suddenly agrees with a suspicious narrative. Always check sources and question the sudden consensus.
Cybersecurity 101
Cyber threats can cripple businesses, steal sensitive information, or even hold companies for ransom. Understanding the basics of cybersecurity is the first step toward protecting yourself and your organization. Here are the two main areas of risk:
Network Threats:
Attackers might overwhelm your systems with traffic (like in denial-of-service or Distributed denial-of-service attacks) or exploit weak security to gain access to your network. How to protect: Use tools like Azure DDoS Protection to safeguard your systems and ensure that all public IP addresses are secured.
People Threats:
Social engineering, phishing, and spear-phishing tactics target individuals to trick them into providing credentials or clicking malicious links. How to protect: Educate your employees with training, offer simulation tools (like Microsoft Defender for Office 365), and encourage or enforce the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add extra layers of security.
Device Protection
Protecting your devices is critical in a world, where cybercriminals can exploit the smallest vulnerabilities. Here are 12 quick tips to safeguard your devices:
- Be cautious with email links and attachments, especially unsolicited ones.
- Never share personal information via unsecured email or text.
- Go passwordless using tools like Windows Hello or authenticator apps.
- Use strong, unique passwords if you must, with the help of a password manager.
- Enable locks (PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition) on your devices.
- Update your software as soon as new versions are available since updates often fix security vulnerabilities.
- Install apps only from trusted sources.
- Reduce your exposure by limiting open internet connections and unnecessary apps.
- Turn on security features like Tamper Protection on Windows 11 to prevent unauthorized changes to your settings.
- Scan your environment regularly with firmware tools to detect weaknesses.
- Avoid transferring system-sensitive files through insecure channels.
- Always back up your data regularly to secure storage.
Fraud: Recognizing Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams are one of the most common forms of cybercrime, where fraudsters pretend to be official support representatives to steal your information or money. Watch out for these signs:
- Unsolicited calls: Microsoft never calls out of the blue. If someone calls offering tech support, it’s likely a scam.
- Urgent messages with phone numbers: Legitimate error messages from Microsoft will never ask you to call a number.
- Requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency: Real companies don’t ask for payments in such forms.
- Download requests from emails: Only download software directly from trusted sources like Microsoft’s website.
- Requests for personal data: Legitimate tech support will never ask for sensitive information like your password or social security number.
If you suspect you’ve been targeted, take immediate steps: uninstall suspicious programs, reset your device, and report the fraud to Microsoft and your organization.
Phishing: Don’t Get Hooked
Phishing remains one of the most common cyber threats. Fraudsters try to trick you into giving up sensitive information by pretending to be trustworthy sources. Here are the main types of phishing attacks:
- Content Injection: Malicious code is injected into legitimate websites, tricking users into entering credentials.
- Link Manipulation: A malicious link may lead to a fake website designed to steal your information.
- Email Phishing: Fake emails try to lure you into clicking on harmful links or attachments.
- QR Code Phishing: Malicious QR codes redirect you to unsafe sites or install malware on your device.
How to protect yourself: Always verify links before clicking, avoid unexpected attachments, and be wary of suspicious QR codes.
Passwords: Moving Beyond Them
Passwords are often the weakest link in cybersecurity. However, by following a few guidelines, you can better protect your accounts.
- Best Practices for Admins and Users: Use strong, unique passwords and avoid reusing them across sites. Encourage users not to use common passwords or personal details like birthdays.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Using MFA makes your accounts over 99% less likely to be compromised. Make MFA mandatory wherever possible.
- Going Passwordless: Passwordless solutions like Windows Hello and FIDO2 security keys are more secure than traditional passwords, reducing the risk of hacking or guessing attacks.
How iC Consult Can Help with Cybersecurity Awareness and More
At iC Consult, we specialize in helping organizations implement secure, identity-driven cybersecurity solutions. As a Microsoft Solution Designation Partner for Security, with an advanced specialization in Identity & Access Management (IAM), we can assist you in navigating all aspects of cybersecurity, from going passwordless to preventing fraud and phishing. With over 850 security experts worldwide, we ensure you stay ahead of the latest threats and adopt the best security practices tailored to your organization. Contact us today to get started, or learn more about our Microsoft services here.
To dive deeper into Microsoft’s Be Cybersmart Kit, visit their official page here.