October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Why it matters more than ever

October 19, 2025

OPINION

BY AIMEE PFANNENSTIEL, COX CENTRAL FLORIDA MARKET VICE PRESIDENT

In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is no longer a niche concern. It’s a shared responsibility that affects us all. With the rise in cyberattacks, remote work, and AI-driven threats, staying safe online is critical. October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how we protect our data and ourselves from ever-evolving threats. At Cox, we’re here to help you stay safe online. We offer several tools such as Cox Advanced Security that provides real-time threat protection, blocking malicious websites and suspicious activity. This is included with our Panoramic WiFi at no extra cost.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month isn’t just about IT departments and internet providers. As digital threats continue to evolve, protecting your personal information has never been more important. That’s why we’re sharing a few simple but powerful tips to help you stay safe online, whether at home, work, or school.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords – Create passwords that are hard to guess and different for each account. Consider using a password manager to keep them secure.
Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts by enabling MFA wherever possible.
Keep Software Updated – Regular updates help patch security vulnerabilities. This includes your operating system, apps, and antivirus software.
Watch Out for Phishing Scams – Be cautious of emails or messages that ask for personal info or urge you to click suspicious links.
Secure Your Wi-Fi – Use a strong password for your home network and avoid sensitive tasks on public Wi-Fi unless using a VPN.
Back Up Your Data – Regular backups protect you from data loss due to cyberattacks or hardware failure. Cloud services through Cox Business can help ensure your business files are secure.
Limit What You Share Online – Think twice before posting personal details on social media.
Use Antivirus & Anti-Malware Tools – Keep them updated and run regular scans to detect threats early.
Log Out When Done – Especially on shared or public devices, logging out helps prevent unauthorized access.
Stay Informed – Cybersecurity is always changing; stay up to date and share these tips with friends and family.

Cybersecurity isn’t just a once-a-year conversation; it’s an everyday commitment. At Cox, we’re proud to support our customers with tools, resources, and education that make online safety simple and accessible. This October, take a moment to review your digital habits, share these tips with others, and explore the Cox Digital Academy for even more ways to stay secure. Together, we can build a safer digital future.

The opinions expressed by letter or opinion writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of AlachuaChronicle.com. Assertions of facts in letters are similarly the responsibility of the author. Letters may be submitted to info@alachuachronicle.com and are published at the discretion of the editor