October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month as designated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

But in a world of constant connectivity and rapid exchanges of digital data, every month is really Cyber Security Awareness Month. All companies are ultimately a technology company to some degree, and a proactive, constant approach to cyber security is the only real approach.

These 5 Security Tips were crafted with software makers in mind but can be applied to any company. The tips underscore the need to make cyber security a part of operations, not just what happens when a threat arrives.

Essent constantly monitors cyber security to address problems like the recent Heartbleed, POODLE, and VENOM vulnerabilities before they actually become problems; issue End of Life (EOL) for outdated technology before the technology becomes a security risk; and build cyber security upgrades into our software releases. Essent also regularly sends support notices to keep customers and the community apprised of potential security issues.

Once October passes and the Department of Homeland Security Cyber Security Awarness Month ends, another cyber security awareness event is on the horizon: November 30 is Computer Security Day. But, as a practical matter, cyber security should always be on the horizon.