Stay Safe from the Monsters Lurking in Your Network

By Jennifer Rose, WatchGuard MDR Specialist

Originally published October 8, 2026

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Cybersecurity Awareness month is in the same month as Halloween. Cybersecurity can seem scary to most of us, there’s new threats every day, attackers constantly coming after our data and money, and so many different types of technologies that all say they will keep us safe.

The reality is that cybercriminals don’t need a costume to cause trouble. Today’s threats are more sophisticated than ever, and public organizations are increasingly attractive targets.

Rather than fear the unknown, get to know the monsters that are lurking in your network and the easy ways that you can keep them away!

Meet the Monsters

• Phishing Phantoms: Deceptive emails that trick employees into revealing sensitive information.
• Ransomware Zombies: Malicious software that locks critical systems and holds data hostage.
• Credential-Stealing Vampires: Attackers who steal passwords to gain unauthorized access.
• Ghost Intruders: Cybercriminals who quietly move through networks without being detected.

Five Tips to Keep the Monsters Away

• Lock the Doors: use strong passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA).
• Don’t Take the Bait: train employees to recognize phishing attempts.
• Keep Defenses Updated: regularly patch software and security systems.
• Have an Escape Plan: maintain secure backups and a tested incident response plan.
• Keep Watch After Dark: consider 24/7 Managed Detection and Response (MDR) to detect and contain threats before they become nightmares.

Cyberattacks don’t follow business hours, and security tools alone aren’t always enough. Organizations need the ability to detect, investigate, and respond when threats strike.

Through AEPA’s resources, you can explore cybersecurity solutions to strengthen your and keep the monsters out of your network.

LTC Purchasing Program members can access Managed Detection and Response through our ActZero contract (AEPA 025-F).