It sounds so simple, but taking an active and conscious role in protecting your internet-connected devices is greatly important to staying cyber secure. Installing updates as soon as they become available, employing multi-factor authentication, deleting suspicious emails and attachments—following these simple every-day steps can vastly improve cybersecurity.

This is especially true now that nearly everything we do, at nearly every stage of life, is online. This vast network of connections creates many opportunities but also brings more risk. With so much information in cyberspace and with so many points of access, it’s crucial to take steps to secure all connected devices. These steps don’t require tech expertise; just an awareness of good practices in maintaining online safety.

The first week of Cybersecurity Awareness Month highlights the ways in which internet-connected devices have impacted our lives and will empower all users to own their role in security by taking steps to reduce their risks.