We live in a different world than we did 40 or 50 years ago, especially when it comes to technology. During the 1980s, computer technology was still just a novelty that promised us a more technologically advanced future, and now that future has arrived. Computer technology has completely transformed our lives—from our personal phones to how we do our banking.

In many ways, this has improved our lives greatly, but at the same time, it has also made us more vulnerable to a variety of security risks. Security risks that put our money and our personal information in danger. That’s why it’s vitally important for all of us to ensure our computer systems, networks, and data are protected from unauthorized access, disruption, modification, use, or destruction.

We live in a digital world where all of our sensitive information is stored and transmitted electronically, and that’s why we should take all the necessary steps to protect that information.

To help our readers do a better job of securing their data and networks, we thought we’d talk about some of the holidays that are dedicated to reminding us of how vulnerable we really are in this digital age. The following holidays highlight the importance of cybersecurity in our lives and remind us all to take the appropriate steps to keep ourselves safe.

Home Office Safety and Security Week (Second Full Week of January)

More and more people are working from home, and this is a trend that had already begun but was accelerated by the pandemic. More people are doing work over the Internet and connecting an ever-increasing number of electronics to their home networks. That makes them vulnerable to digital theft, ransomware, malware, and a variety of phishing attacks.

That’s why everyone is encouraged to take a closer look at their home office networks and make sure security holes are closed. This can be done by using a VPN, using the appropriate security software, and installing operating system updates when they become available.

Data Privacy Day (January 28th)

There are over a billion data breaches in the United States every year and trillions around the world. That’s why it is vitally important for people to take steps to secure their data. This means making sure updates and security patches are up to date, being careful about how information is shared, and giving careful consideration to how you share information online.

Change Your Password Day (February 1st)

It’s no secret that people can get pretty lazy with their passwords, and we understand why that’s the case. After all, we have to deal with hundreds of different passwords every day, and those passwords have to be complex enough to avoid getting hacked. This is why people end up using the same passwords over and over again.

First of all, stop that. And second of all, make sure that you regularly change your passwords on a regular basis to keep them hack-proof—if not sooner, do it at least on Change Your Password Day.

Safer Internet Day (Second Day of the Second Full Week of February)

This holiday not only encourages people to keep their machines updated and secure but also reminds people to think about how they use digital services. It’s a day to examine how social media and various other websites are used to make sure that you’re not exposing yourself to security risks while you’re visiting these sites.

National Clean Out Your Computer Day (Second Monday in February)

Believe it or not, junk files can pose a big security risk to most computers, and most people don’t even realize that fact. Unneeded programs provide a potential way for attackers to get into a system, particularly if those programs aren’t updated. Junk can also camouflage malware and result in a degradation of a system’s performance.

And some of your files may contain sensitive information that could be hijacked. That’s why it’s important for everyone to make sure their systems are clean, and this is a good day to start.

World Backup Day (March 31st)

Tell the truth: do you back up your important information? If you’re like many people, you probably don’t, although you should. It’s estimated that 7 out of 10 people will lose important information due to software or hardware failure, accidental deletion, or an outdated backup. That’s why it’s important to back up your important data regularly.

World Password Day (First Thursday in May)

The next holiday that we want to talk about is World Password Day. As you might expect, this is a day when people are encouraged to take another hard look at their passwords and how they use them. It’s a good idea to use strong passwords and to regularly change them, but that might not be enough. You may also want to install Two-Factor Authentication on all the devices you can to add an extra layer of protection.

Computer Security Day (November 30th)

This is yet another holiday to encourage people to check up on their personal computer security. This means using strong passwords, using different passwords for different sites, securing your home Wi-Fi network with a secure password, and using an Internet Firewall.

That does it for us. We hope that our exploration of the above cybersecurity holidays will get everyone thinking about how they can protect themselves while they’re using their computer and traveling the winding roads of the World Wide Web.