Be Cyber Smart!
Now in its 18th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month was created by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a broad effort to help everyone stay safe and more secure online.
As our lives have become increasingly dependent on technology, virtually all personal and business data is kept on internet-connected platforms, which can become a gold mine for bad actors. In these tech-fueled times, our homes, social well-being, economic prosperity and nation’s security are impacted by the internet.
The theme for this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” The theme empowers individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace. If everyone does their part – implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating the vulnerable or training employees – our interconnected world will be safer and more resilient for everyone.
Throughout October, the National Cyber Security Alliance will focus on the following areas:
Week 1 - October 4-10: Be Cyber Smart
As our lives have become increasingly dependent on technology, virtually all personal and business data is kept on internet-connected platforms, which can become a gold mine for bad actors. The first full week of Cybersecurity Awareness Month will highlight best security practices and focus on general cyber hygiene to keep your information safe. Own your role in cybersecurity by starting with the basics. Creating strong passwords and using multi-factor authentication, backing up your data, and updating your software are great places to start.
Week 2 - October 11-17: Fight the Phish
Phishing attacks and scams have thrived since the COVID pandemic began in 2020 and today, phishing attacks account for more than 80 percent of reported security incidents. Week 2 of Cybersecurity Awareness Month will stress the importance of being wary of emails, text messages or chat boxes that come from a stranger or someone you were not expecting. Think before you click on any suspicious emails, links or attachments and make sure to report any suspicious emails if you can!
Week 3 - October 18-24: Explore. Experience. Share – (Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week)
Highlighting the Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week led by National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). This is a week-long campaign that inspires and promotes the exploration of cybersecurity careers. Whether it’s students, veterans, or those seeking a career change, the dynamic field of cybersecurity is rapidly growing and has something for everyone
Week 4 - October 25-31: Cybersecurity First
Week 4 is all about making security a priority. For businesses, this means building security into products and processes. Make cybersecurity training a part of employee onboarding and equip staff with the tools they need to keep the organization safe. For individuals, keep cybersecurity at the forefront of your mind as you connect daily. Before purchasing a device or online product, do your research. When you set up a new device or app, consider your security and privacy settings and update default passwords. Cybersecurity should not be an afterthought.
Learn more about Cybersecurity Career Awareness week here.