National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) was co-founded and is co-led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Cyber Security Consulting Ops Pledges to Support National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2018 as a Champion
07/18/18 — Cyber Security Consulting Ops announced that we had become a Champion of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2018. We will join a growing global effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations, and individuals to promote online safety and privacy awareness.
A multi-layered and far-reaching campaign held annually in October, NCSAM was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure all digital citizens have the resources needed to stay safer and more secure online while protecting their personal information. As an official Champion, Cyber Security Consulting Ops recognizes its commitment to cybersecurity, online safety, and privacy.
The National Cyber Security Alliance.
Co-founded and led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), NCSAM has grown exponentially since its inception, reaching consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, corporations, government entities, the military, educational institutions, and young people nationally and internationally. NCSAM 2017 was an unprecedented success, generating 4,316 news stories – an increase of 68 percent compared to NCSAM 2016’s media coverage. Kicking off its 15th year, NCSAM 2018 presents an unparalleled opportunity to leverage the month’s tremendous adoption growth and expand cybersecurity, privacy education, and awareness globally over the last several years.
“The Champion program continues to be a strong foundation for National Cyber Security Awareness Month’s ongoing and impactful success. In 2017, 1,050 organizations enlisted to support the month – a 21-percent increase from the previous year,” said Russ Schrader, NCSA’s executive director. “We are thankful to our 2018 Champion organizations for their support and commitment to our shared responsibility of promoting cybersecurity, online safety awareness, and the opportunity to protect our privacy.”
For more information about NCSAM 2018, the Champion program, and how to participate in various activities, visit staysafeonline.org/ncsam. You can also follow and use the official NCSAM hashtag #CyberAware on social media throughout the month.
About National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
NCSAM is designed to engage and educate public- and private-sector partners through events and initiatives to raise awareness about cybersecurity to increase the nation’s resiliency in the event of a cyber incident. Since the Presidential Proclamation establishing NCSAM in 2004, the initiative has been formally recognized by Congress, federal, state, and local governments, and leaders from industry and academia. This united effort is necessary to maintain a safer and more resilient cyberspace and remains a source of tremendous opportunity and growth for years. For more information, visit staysafeonline.org/ncsam or dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month.
About NCSA
NCSA is the nation’s leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. NCSA works with various stakeholders in government, industry, and civil society. NCSA’s primary partners are DHS and NCSA’s Board of Directors, which includes representatives from ADP; Aetna; AT&T Services Inc.; Bank of America; CDK Global, LLC; Cisco; Comcast Corporation; ESET North America; Facebook; Google; Intel Corporation; Logical Operations; Marriott International; Mastercard; Microsoft Corporation; Mimecast; NXP Semiconductors; Raytheon; RSA, the Security Division of EMC; Salesforce; Symantec Corporation; TeleSign; Visa and Wells Fargo. NCSA’s core efforts include National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October), Data Privacy Day (Jan. 28), and STOP. THINK. CONNECT™; and CyberSecure My Business™, which offers webinars, web resources, and workshops to help businesses be resistant to and resilient from cyberattacks. For more information on NCSA, please visit staysafeonline.org/about.
About STOP. THINK. CONNECT.
STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ is the global online safety awareness campaign to help all digital citizens stay safer and more secure online. The message was created by an unprecedented coalition of private companies, nonprofits, and government organizations with leadership provided by NCSA and the APWG. The campaign was launched in October 2010 by STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ Messaging Convention in partnership with the U.S. government, including the White House. NCSA, in partnership with the APWG, continues to lead the campaign. DHS leads the federal engagement in the campaign. Learn how to get involved by following STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ on Facebook and Twitter and visiting stopthinkconnect.org.
Why National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is More Important Than Ever
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and prevalent, individuals and organizations must remain vigilant to protect themselves from potential breaches and attacks. That’s why National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is more crucial now than ever.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual initiative held in October, aims to educate and empower individuals and businesses about the importance of cybersecurity. It provides an opportunity to raise awareness and strengthen defenses against cyber threats. With the rapid increase in remote work, online shopping, and digital transactions, it is essential to highlight the importance of cybersecurity and encourage best practices.
During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, individuals can learn about the latest cyber threats, ways to safeguard personal data, and how to recognize and respond to phishing attempts. Businesses can also use this month to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices and implement measures to protect their sensitive information.
In conclusion, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that protecting our online presence is a shared responsibility as we navigate an increasingly digital world. By staying informed and adopting good cybersecurity habits, we can help create a safer digital environment for everyone.
The importance of cybersecurity awareness
Cybersecurity awareness is not just a buzzword but a critical component of our digital lives. The consequences of a cyber attack can be devastating for individuals and businesses. The impact can be far-reaching, from personal data theft to financial loss and reputational damage. By participating in National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, individuals and organizations can learn about the latest threats, understand the importance of proactive measures, and take steps to protect themselves.
Cybersecurity statistics and trends
To truly grasp the significance of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s essential to examine the current cybersecurity landscape. Recent statistics reveal the alarming scale of cyber threats. According to the 2021 Cybersecurity Almanac, cybercrime will cost the global economy over $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for increased cybersecurity awareness.
Additionally, the rise of remote work and the increased reliance on digital technologies have created new opportunities for cybercriminals. Phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches have become more prevalent, targeting individuals and organizations of all sizes. Cybersecurity awareness is crucial in avoiding these threats and minimizing their impact.
Common cybersecurity threats businesses face.
Businesses, in particular, are prime targets for cyber attacks. Understanding the common threats they face is essential for developing effective cybersecurity strategies. One of the most prevalent threats is phishing, where attackers use deceptive emails or messages to trick employees into revealing sensitive information. Ransomware attacks, where hackers encrypt critical data and demand payment for its release, are also rising.
Additionally, supply chain attacks, where cybercriminals compromise a trusted vendor or partner to gain unauthorized access to a target organization’s systems, pose a significant threat. Business email compromise, insider threats, and IoT vulnerabilities are other areas of concern. By recognizing these threats, organizations can proactively protect their assets.
Steps to enhance cybersecurity awareness in your organization
Improving cybersecurity awareness within your organization should be a top priority. Here are some steps you can take to enhance awareness and strengthen your defenses:
1. Educate Employees: Conduct regular training sessions to educate employees about common cyber threats, phishing attempts, and best practices for protecting sensitive information.
2. Implement Strong Password Policies: Encourage employees to use unique, complex passwords and implement multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
3. Keep Software Up to Date: Regularly update software and systems to ensure they have the latest security patches and protections against known vulnerabilities.
4. Perform Regular Vulnerability Assessments: Conduct periodic vulnerability assessments to identify and address weaknesses in your organization’s infrastructure and systems.
5. Establish Incident Response Plans: Develop and test incident response plans to ensure a swift and effective response to potential cyber-attacks.
By implementing these steps, you can create a culture of cybersecurity awareness within your organization and minimize the risk of cyber threats.
The role of employees in cybersecurity
Employees play a critical role in maintaining cybersecurity within an organization. They are often the first line of defense against cyber attacks. Employees can fall victim to phishing attempts without proper awareness and training or unknowingly engage in risky online behavior.
Organizations should invest in comprehensive training programs to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices. This includes recognizing suspicious emails, using strong passwords, securely accessing company networks remotely, and understanding the importance of regular software updates.
Employees should also be encouraged to promptly report any suspicious activity or potential security breaches. By fostering a culture of open communication and accountability, organizations can empower their employees to become active participants in cybersecurity.
Tools and resources for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides a wealth of tools and resources to help individuals and organizations bolster their cybersecurity practices. Here are a few essential resources to explore:
1. StaySafeOnline.org: This website offers a variety of tips, guides, and educational materials to help individuals and businesses improve their cybersecurity posture.
2. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): CISA provides numerous resources, including webinars, guides, and toolkits, to help organizations enhance their cybersecurity defenses.
3. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): NIST offers cybersecurity frameworks and guidelines that organizations can use to assess and improve cybersecurity practices.
4. Local Community Events: Many communities organize cybersecurity awareness events during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Participating in these events can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities.
By leveraging these resources, individuals and organizations can better understand cybersecurity best practices and stay updated with the latest trends and threats.
Engaging in community events and initiatives
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is about individual efforts and an opportunity to engage with the broader community. Many organizations and communities host events and initiatives to raise awareness about cybersecurity and promote best practices.
Consider participating in local workshops, seminars, or webinars that focus on cybersecurity. Engaging in these events expands your knowledge and allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations. Collaborating with others can help foster a more robust cybersecurity culture and create a support network against cyber threats.
Collaborating with cybersecurity experts and organizations
Collaboration is vital in the fight against cyber threats. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides an ideal platform to connect with cybersecurity experts and organizations. Contact local cybersecurity firms, industry associations, or government agencies to explore potential partnerships or collaborations.
These collaborations can take various forms, such as joint awareness campaigns, information sharing, or cybersecurity training programs. By leveraging the expertise and resources of these organizations, you can strengthen your cybersecurity defenses and contribute to a safer digital environment.
Conclusion: The ongoing importance of cybersecurity awareness
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds us that protecting our online presence is a shared responsibility as we navigate an increasingly digital world. By staying informed and adopting good cybersecurity habits, we can help create a safer digital environment for everyone.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides a valuable opportunity to educate ourselves, our employees, and our communities about the importance of cybersecurity. It offers a platform to learn about the latest threats, implement best practices, and collaborate with experts and organizations.
Remember, cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but an ongoing commitment. By prioritizing cybersecurity awareness and taking proactive measures, we can mitigate the risks and ensure a secure digital future for ourselves and future generations. Let’s embrace this opportunity and make every month a cybersecurity awareness month.
