• Cyberattacks are on the rise and represent a huge risk for both individuals and organizations.
• The European Cybersecurity Month provides information about security in digital spaces.
• SoSafe and botfrei offer free cyber security training for citizens with the Phish Test.

Cyberattacks caused more than 220 billion euros in damages in Germany alone last year, while the number of unreported cases is probably much higher. The EU has recognized this increasing risk, and thus raises awareness of dangers on the Internet with the annual European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM). During this month of promotions and campaigns, cyber security company SoSafe is partnering with botfrei, eco, it-daily and the Cyber Security Cluster Bonn to once again organize the free cyber security training initiative “Don’t be a phish” for civilians. Interested parties can use this to see if they can fall for phishing emails, and via learning pages receive tips on how to best protect themselves against attacks.

European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM): Working together for a secure digital space

ECSM has been held annually in October since 2012. Government organizations such as the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) and companies support the month of action with numerous workshops, training sessions, and webinars. By doing so they pull together in October in the fight against cybercrime. The main focus this year is on the two topics "Secure digital home" and "First aid for digital emergencies".

Free phishing simulation for all interested parties

During the ECSM, civilians can once again take part in "Don’t be a phish" free of charge. On the website www.phish-test.de, interested parties can register and receive three harmless, example phishing emails over the following seven days. If they fall for one of

the simulated phishing emails, they are taken to a suitable learning page and given "first aid" for tricky situations. The subsequent evaluation also shows participants how they performed overall – and what they should watch out for in the future. The hashtag #DontBeAPhish can be used to call on colleagues, family members or acquaintances to take part in the awareness campaign.

ECSM and the phishing test underpin the importance of preventive cyber security measures

The heightened cyberthreat situation calls for increased awareness of cyber security and potential risks. After all, only if private individuals and organizations are aware of the tactics used by cybercriminals will they know how to properly respond in dangerous situations. With the phishing test, SoSafe enables all interested parties to move prudently and safely in the digital space.

Free registration via www.phish-test.de/en.

About botfrei

Botfrei aims to reduce the number of infected computers, tablets and smartphones and help users clean their Internet devices of malware. The "Don’t be a phish" phishing simulation has been running since 2019. Initiated by the Cologne-based cyber security company SoSafe in cooperation with botfrei, it has been held annually since then. Numerous partners such as eco – Association of the Internet Industry, the Cyber Security Cluster Bonn, and it-daily are supporting the project this year.