Cybersecurity Awareness Month | 2026
MAKE IT HARDER FOR ATTACKERS.
Attackers Share with Each Other.
Defenders Share with Us.
Cybersecurity doesn't always start with the newest tool or most complicated technology. Often, some of the most effective defenses are the fundamentals — done consistently and done well.
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, IT-ISAC is focusing on the cybersecurity fundamentals that still matter and what it takes to make them even stronger.
Throughout October, we're exploring the four fundamental areas of cybersecurity highlighted by the National Cybersecurity Alliance and what individuals and organizations can do to Make It Harder for Attackers.
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Cyber threats are evolving. The fundamentals still matter.
Join IT-ISAC this Cybersecurity Awareness Month for Make It Harder: Turning Today’s Cyber Threats Into Action, a practical look at what attackers are doing now—and the simple, effective steps organizations can take to make their jobs harder.
Drawing from IT-ISAC’s latest State of the Threat report, we’ll connect today’s threat landscape to real-world actions that can help reduce risk, strengthen resilience, and keep attackers out.
FOUR WAYS TO MAKE IT HARDER.
Stronger Fundamentals. Stronger Defenses.
Whether you're looking to better protect yourself or are responsible for defending an organization, these four actions can make a difference. Each week, we'll break down the fundamentals and take a deeper look at how IT and security teams can build on them to strengthen their defenses. In the meantime, explore our previous blogs and one-pagers for practical guidance on putting these fundamentals into action.
Phishing goes far beyond email. Attackers use text messages, websites, phone calls, QR codes, and other techniques to convince you to click, share, or act. Make it harder for them to fool you by slowing down, looking for warning signs, and verifying before you trust.
Strong Passwords & Passkeys
Make it harder to get in.
Make it harder for attackers to get in by using long, unique passwords, relying on a password manager, and using passkeys when available.
Beyond the Fundamentals → Explore phishing-resistant authentication, passwordless approaches, and stronger identity controls that can reduce the risks associated with stolen or compromised credentials.
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Make it harder to take over.
Make it harder for attackers to take over your accounts by enabling MFA and adding another layer of protection.
Beyond the Fundamentals → Explore phishing-resistant MFA, stronger authentication methods, and identity controls that make compromised credentials harder for attackers to turn into account access.
Phishing & Scams
Make It Harder to Fool You.
Phishing goes far beyond email. Attackers use text messages, websites, phone calls, QR codes, and other techniques to convince you to click, share, or act. Make it harder for them to fool you by slowing down, looking for warning signs, and verifying before you trust.
Beyond the Fundamentals → Explore advanced phishing and social engineering techniques, including adversary-in-the-middle attacks, QR phishing, and ClickFix, and the technical controls organizations can use to detect, disrupt, and respond to them.
Patch & Update
Make It Harder to Exploit You.
Make it harder for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities by keeping your devices, applications, browsers, and systems patched and up to date.
Beyond the Fundamentals → Explore risk-based vulnerability management and how organizations can use KEV, EPSS, exploitability, asset criticality, exposure, and threat intelligence to prioritize the vulnerabilities that pose the greatest risk.
RESOURCES FOR STRONGER DEFENSES
Explore our public and practical cybersecurity resources designed to help you put the fundamentals into action, strengthen your defenses, and share useful guidance with your team, organization, and broader community. The more defenders learn from and share with one another, the stronger we all become.
The Small & Medium-Sized Businesses Cybersecurity Playbook
Proactive defense is an organization's greatest advantage against cyber threats. Attackers are evolving faster than ever, and standard security measures no longer measure up against modern risks.
To help organizations stay resilient and secure, we’ve published the Small and Medium-Sized Businesses Cybersecurity Playbook — your practical blueprint featuring 10 essential security practices designed to strengthen your defenses and safeguard your organization.
State of the Threat Report: IT Sector Cyber Trends
Staying ahead of adversaries requires clear visibility into how the threat landscape is shifting. From the explosive rise of AI-driven exploits to unprecedented ransomware volumes, today’s cyber dangers are moving at an extraordinary pace.
To equip your organization with the intelligence needed to defend against modern risks, we’ve released the State of the Threat Report: an in-depth analysis from our operations team detailing the critical cyber trends shaping this year's digital battleground, including ClickFix, hacktivism, and more.
2025 IT Sector Cyber Threat Report
In an environment where threats are constant, security leaders must move beyond reactive measures and make data-driven, risk-based resource decisions.
To help you cut through the noise, we’ve published the 2025 IT Sector Cyber Threat Report, a comprehensive analysis powered by the Predictive Adversary Scoring System (PASS) that breaks down the most critical threats facing the IT sector during 2025.
Exploring the Depths: Analysis of the 2025 Ransomware Landscape
Tackling ransomware requires an inside look at how criminal groups are evolving their tactics. From supply chain exploitation to encryptionless extortion, ransomware operators are acting with unprecedented speed and efficiency.
To help your organization defend against these aggressive tactics, we’ve published Exploring the Depths: Analysis of the 2025 Ransomware Landscape and Insights for 2026, an in-depth report tracking over 15,000+ incidents to give defenders actionable intelligence through 2026 and beyond.
Read the Exploring the Depths: Analysis of the 2025 Ransomware Landscape.
Multi-Factor Authentication One-Pager
Protecting your business starts with strengthening your daily cyber hygiene. While threat actors continue to deploy complex initial access tactics, simple and proactive steps remain your best defense against unauthorized access.
To help keep your organization safe, the IT-ISAC CSaaS SIG has created a Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) One-Pager. Packed with practical tips and tricks, this guide outlines quick, easy-to-implement steps you can take right now to secure your critical data and prevent a costly breach.
Join the defenders.
Become an IT-ISAC member.
When you join the IT-ISAC, you gain access to real-time, peer-to-peer threat intelligence that helps your team patch vulnerabilities, spot attacks earlier, and close the doors before threat actors reach them.
Together, we make it harder for attackers to get in — and stay in.
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