2019 National Cybersecurity Awareness MonthIt’s spooky season! There’s no better time to celebrate National Cybersecurity Awareness Month than October, a month dedicated to both tricks and treats. While cybersecurity may seem like a scary topic, there’s no need to fear. Treat yourself to peace of mind this year by learning how to own, secure and protect your system.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month was started as a collaborative effort by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) in 2004 to provide Americans with the resources they need to stay safe online. Today, this effort is co-led by NCSA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency.
As the digital and physical worlds converge, it’s pertinent to assess the effects of cybersecurity on society, the economy and national security at large. The theme of the 16th annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is ‘Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.’ According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, this year’s theme will address key safety messages to help people identify opportunities for improvement in accountability and proactive behavior towards key cybersecurity practices:
Own IT
- Never click and tell: stay safe on social media
- Update privacy settings
- Keep tabs on your apps: the best practices for device applications
Secure IT
- Shake up your passphrase protocol: create strong, unique passphrases
- Double your login protection: turn on multi-factor authentication
- Shop safe online
Protect IT
- If you connect, you must protect: update to the latest security software, web browser and operating systems
- Stay protected white connected: Wi-Fi safety
- If you collect it, protect it: keeping customer/consumer data and information safe
Our technology-driven world is dependent on digital devices, and as such, we must protect intruders from accessing stored data and personal information. Take the first step in this process by checking out the NCSAM 2019 Toolkit, a guide for all organizations, regardless of industry and size, through ways of engaging in the key messages above and promoting lasting cybersecurity habits.
What are you waiting for? It’s go time! Use this month to evaluate your cyber habits and begin your journey of practicing and promoting proper cybersecurity habits year round. Show employees and stakeholders that you’re committed to transparency, trust and privacy by making cybersecurity an integral aspect of your company culture.
To learn how you can get involved and promote cyber safety at home, work, school and in your community, visit staysafeonline.org/get-involved/.
