If it weren’t for a conversation a month ago with Connectwise’s John Schweizer, I would never have known there was such a thing as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. If anyone would have this marked on their October calendar, it would be John, Mr. Cybersecurity himself.
If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? According to my research, now in its 18th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month—previously known as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month—raises awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across the U.S., ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online. The theme for the month, which is being promoted by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.”
According to the CISA website, “This evergreen theme encourages individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity.”
In 2021, CISA and NCSA will focus on the following areas in their promotions and outreach during the month of October:
- Week of October 4 (Week 1): Be Cyber Smart.
- Week of October 11 (Week 2): Phight the Phish!
- Week of October 18 (Week 3): Explore. Experience. Share. – Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week
- Week of October 25 (Week 4): Cybersecurity First
CISA and NCSA are encouraging those who participate in this awareness campaign to use the hashtag #BeCyberSmart during October to promote your involvement in raising cybersecurity awareness.
Throughout October, CISA provides Cybersecurity Awareness Month Resources to help participant’s stakeholders learn how to reduce their cybersecurity risks and protect themselves online. It also encourages people to use these resources in their communities and share them with stakeholders throughout the year to encourage strong, nationwide cybersecurity. These materials are free and may be modified to meet each participant’s needs.
To decrease cybersecurity risks and protect oneself online, CISA also offers cybersecurity technical and non-technical resources to help participants and their communities improve their cybersecurity posture. These tools can also be used throughout the year.
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