National Cyber Security Awareness Month – October 2017

Overview:

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) which is an annual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of cyber security. This year marks the 14th annual NCSAM, co-founded and co-led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA).

CSIAC proudly joins the NCSA and numerous of other organizations in celebrating NCSAM. CSIAC acknowledges the Internet touches all aspects of everyone’s daily life and we understand there are many unknown variables on how to stay safe and secure online. Which is why we’re so excited to announce we are launching a series of activities during NCSAM to help raise cybersecurity awareness. During the entire month of October, you will have the chance to participate in and receive a variety of resources to help you better understand cyber security and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself, your family and your organization. Our goal is to enable you to make the most of today’s technology in a safer and more secure environment.

If you have any questions about our activities in October or suggestions on how to improve our cyber security resources, please submit your feedback here on this page. We will be happy to hear from you.

October 2017’s Weekly Themes:

Week 1: October 2-6 – Theme: Simple Steps to Online Safety.

All members of the public can take some simple actions to protect themselves online and to recover in the event a cyber incident occurs.  Week 1 will address the top consumer cybersecurity concerns, provide simple steps to protect against these concerns, and help the public understand what to do if they fall victim to cybercrime.

Week 2: October 9-13 – Theme: Cybersecurity in the Workplace is Everyone’s Business

Creating a culture of cybersecurity is critical for all organizations ‒ large and small businesses, academic institutions, non-profits, and government agencies – and must be a shared responsibility among all employees. Week 2 will showcase how organizations can protect against the most common cyber threats. The week will also look at resources to help organizations strengthen their cyber resilience.

Week 3: October 16-20 – Theme: Today’s Predictions for Tomorrow’s Internet

Smart cities, connected devices, digitized records, as well as smart cars and homes have become a new reality. Week 3 will remind citizens that their sensitive, personal information is the fuel that makes smart devices work. While there are tremendous benefits of this technology, it is critical to understand how to use these cutting-edge innovations in safe and secure ways.

Week 4: October 23-27 – Theme: The Internet Wants YOU: Consider a Career in Cybersecurity

According to a study by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, by 2022, there will be a shortage of 1.8 million information security workers. It is critical that today’s students graduate ready to enter the workforce to fill the vast number of available cybersecurity positions. Week 4 will encourage students and other job seekers to explore cybersecurity careers. Key influencers – like parents, teachers, guidance counselors and state and local officials – will learn more about this growing field and how to engage youth in pursuing cybersecurity careers.

Week 5: October 30-31 – Theme: Protecting Critical Infrastructure from Cyber Threats

The essential systems that support our daily lives – such as electricity, financial institutions, and transportation – are all dependent upon the Internet. Building resilience in critical infrastructure is crucial to our national security.  Week 5 will look at cybersecurity in relation to keeping our traffic lights, running water, phone lines, and other critical infrastructure secure. It also facilitates the transition to November’s Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month (CISR), highlighting the tie between cybersecurity and our nation’s critical infrastructure.