October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (#NCSAM)
October is the Annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month, created to help increase awareness of the dangers that exist online and develop best practices to avoid being a victim of cybercrime.
Established by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a non-profit partnership of educational institutions, professional organizations, corporations and the Federal government. National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), conducted every October since 2001, is a national public awareness campaign to encourage everyone to protect their computers and our nation’s critical cyber infrastructure.
Today’s evolving Web-based threats such as phishing attacks, spyware and identity theft are top concerns for businesses and consumers alike. By utilizing proper precautions such as multiple passwords, updated security patches, and software solutions - ex. web filtering, anti-virus, firewalls - users can build a strong defense against cyber crime. National Cyber Security Awareness Month reaches more millions of Americans through media, middle school and high school lesson plans, and partnerships with dozens of companies and associations.
The success of National Cyber Security Awareness Month rests everyone to engage in education and awareness activities. There are opportunities for everyone from home users to major corporations and government entities to get involved.
To view ways that you can get involved with NCSAM, please visit for tips - http://www.staysafeonline.org/
• There are no individuals, businesses or government agencies that have sole responsibility for assuring Internet security.
• Each person who accesses the Internet has a role in securing their digital world, including their devices and the networks they use.
• When individuals take actions, they affect everyone – practicing personal Internet safety makes the Web more secure for others.
• Each of us can play a role in making the internet safer by practicing personal cyber safety, promoting awareness in our communities and educating our youth – our combined efforts make for a strong and safe digital society.
NCSAM promotes a simple three step method for Cyber Security that anyone can implement. By making your personal digital lives more secure, we can increase the security for all users:
• STOP: Be aware of the risks and threats before you go online so that you are better able to spot potential problems.
• THINK: Consider what actions you are about to take and think of how they might affect your personal safety or that of your friends and family. Be alert to warning signs.
• CONNECT: Once you have taken the first two steps, you are free to enjoy your Internet experience knowing you are safeguarding your digital existence and your computer.
