Seventeen years ago, the month of October was officially named National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across the United States ensuring that users have the resources needed to be safer online.
Each year Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) announce a theme. This year the theme is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” The theme encourages organizations and individuals to take their own role in protecting themselves online through accountability, education, and ownership.
Throughout October, CISA and NCSA will focus on the following areas as scheduled.
October 1 – Kick-Off
Week 1: October 5 – If You Connect It, Protect It
Week 2: October 12 – Securing Devices at Home and Work
Week 3: October 19 – Securing Internet-Connected Devices in Healthcare
Week 4: October 26 – The Future of Connected Devices
The CISA and NCSA have curated specific topics as it relates to the current work from home environment. They are focusing on securing devices both at home and at work and will spend a week specifically on connected devices. As workers are blending a hybrid of work from home and in-office options while having more connected devices than ever, these topics are incredibly timely to reflect the current technological environment.
There are also several resources, your organization can access during the month of October to promote Cybersecurity Awareness month inside your organization. There are tip sheets on cybersecurity at work, identify theft, IoT, multi-factor authentication, phishing, passwords, online privacy and more. The sheets can be easily downloaded and distributed to your workforce to ensure employees have the education and information needed to stay safe online.
Additionally, there are several sample social media posts and graphics to promote national cybersecurit awareness month at your organization. Businesses are encouraged to post to internal and external communication channels to promote and build awareness.
Lastly, there are several presentations that can be used to educate employees on cybersecurity best practices. If you haven’t before, October is the perfect time to kick-start your organization’s cybersecurity training. If you have had previous trainings, it’s the perfect time to introduce new topics or give a refresher course.
It’s more important now more than ever to be cyber smart. Make sure your employees have the resources they need to protect themselves and your business online.
Don’t forget to register for CyberWeek 2020 to hear our very own Director of Commercial Cyber Services, Ken Truex, discuss Penetration Test Vendors!
