National Cyber Security Awareness Month – October 2018

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 15th 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 cybersecurity resources, please submit your feedback here on this page. We will be happy to hear from you.

This Week’s Theme:

Safeguarding the Nation’s Infrastructure Needs to Be “Our Shared Responsibility”

The last full week of NCSAM focuses on strengthening our shared commitment to protecting the vast networks and systems fueling our nation’s utilities, finance, transportation, agriculture and communications sectors. View Week 4 Content.

October 2018’s Weekly Themes:

Week 1: Oct. 1­–5: Make Your Home a Haven for Online Safety

Every day, parents and caregivers teach kids basic safety practices like looking both ways before crossing the street and holding an adult’s hand in a crowded place. Easy-to-learn life lessons for online safety and privacy begin with parents leading the way. Learning good cybersecurity practices can also help set a strong foundation for a career in the industry. With family members using the internet to engage in social media, adjust the home thermostat or shop for the latest connected toy, it is vital to make certain that the entire household ? including children – learn to use the internet safely and responsibly and that networks and mobile devices are secure. Week 1 will underscore basic cybersecurity essentials the entire family can deploy to protect their homes against cyber threats.

Week 2: Oct. 8–12: Millions of Rewarding Jobs: Educating for a Career in Cybersecurity

A key risk to our economy and security continues to be the shortage of cybersecurity professionals to safeguard our ever-expanding cyber ecosystem. Raising the next generation of interested and capable cybersecurity professionals is a starting point to building stronger defenses. There are limitless opportunities to educate students of all ages – from high school into higher education and beyond – on the field of cybersecurity as they consider their options. In addition, veterans and individuals who are looking for a new career or re-entering the workforce, should explore the multitude of well-paying and rewarding jobs available. Week 2 will address ways to motivate parents, teachers and counselors to learn more about the field and how to best inspire students and others to seek highly fulfilling cybersecurity careers.

Week 3: Oct. 15–19: It’s Everyone’s Job to Ensure Online Safety at Work

When you are on the job – whether it’s at a corporate office, local restaurant, healthcare provider, academic institution or government agency ? your organization’s online safety and security are a responsibility we all share. And, as the lines between our work and daily lives become increasingly blurred, it is more important than ever to be certain that smart cybersecurity carries over between the two. Week 3 will focus on cybersecurity workforce education, training and awareness while emphasizing risk management, resistance and resilience. NCSA’s CyberSecure My Business™ will shed light on how small and medium-sized businesses can protect themselves, their employees and their customers against the most prevalent threats.

Week 4: Oct. 22–26: Safeguarding the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure

Our day-to-day life depends on the country’s 16 sectors of critical infrastructure, which supply food, water, financial services, public health, communications and power along with other networks and systems. A disruption to this system, which is operated via the internet, can have significant and even catastrophic consequences for our nation. Week 4 will emphasize the importance of securing our critical infrastructure and highlight the roles the public can play in keeping it safe. In addition, it will lead the transition into November’s Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, which is spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.