October has been designated as National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), which was created as a government and industry-driven effort to ensure resources are available to all for staying safe and secure online. NCSAM is celebrating 11 years of reaching consumers, small and medium-size businesses, corporations, educational institutes and young people through cybersecurity education.
The theme and message from the NCSAM is that the Internet is a shared resource and securing it is “our shared responsibility.”
We lead Internet-connected, digital lives — from our desks and homes to on the go — we work, learn and play online. Even when we are not directly connected to the Internet, our critical infrastructure impacts everyone. If each of us does our part — implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating people and training employees — together we will be a digital society that’s safer, more resistant to attacks and better prepared if one occurs.
The NCSAM reminds us that as part of our shared responsibility we need to STOP.THINK.CONNECT.™ And then get involved.
- STOP. THINK. CONNECT.
This is a simple message everyone using the Internet can adopt. Take security and safety precautions, understand the consequences of your online activity and enjoy the benefits of the Internet. - Get Involved.
Individuals, organizations and communities throughout the United States are promoting NCSAM and letting others know that everyone has a role in protecting our digital lives.
NACSM has divided the month into themed weeks to help focus on core issues in cybersecurity. Take a look and find which parts of the month are most relevant to you. Participate in one or all of the weeks and share the message:
Week 1: October 1–3, 2014
Theme: STOP. THINK. CONNECT.
Simple measures for making you safer and more secure online.
Week 2: October 6–10, 2014
Theme: Secure Development of IT Products
The software we use on our phones, tablets and computers may have vulnerabilities that can compromise our personal information and privacy. This week will focus on what you need to look for in products.
Week 3: October 13–17, 2014
Theme: Critical Infrastructure and The Internet of Things (IoT)
Focus on the importance of protecting critical infrastructure and properly securing all connected devices.
Week 4: October 20–24, 2014
Theme: Cybersecurity for Small and Medium-Size Businesses and Entrepreneurs
How new and established businesses can protect their organization, customers and employees. This week also covers cybersecurity as a business opportunity using tools such as the DHS C3 Voluntary Program.
Week 5: October 27–31, 2014
Theme: Cybercrime and Law Enforcement
Raise awareness, educate law enforcement officers about how to combat cybercrime, and educate the public about ways in which they can protect themselves from becoming a victim of identity theft, fraud, phishing and other crimes.
Learn more about protecting you and your most valued company assets at http://www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam.
Related Courses
Cybersecurity Foundations
Certified Ethical Hacker v8
CISSP Prep Course