October is Cyber Security Awareness Month

Since 2004, every October has been observed as National Cyber Security Awareness Month by the US Department of Homeland Security. National Cyber Security Awareness Month is a collaborative effort between industry and governing bodies that has grown tremendously with more support from the White House. To help spread the word and contribute to the message, SandStorm IT will be posting an additional security related blog post every Thursday in October.

With the usage of technology by everyone at every age, it makes sense to put emphasis on keeping all businesses and consumers safe online. 2018 marks the 8th anniversary of the STOP. THINK. CONNECT campaign with the overarching theme of “Cybersecurity is our shared responsibility and we all must work together to improve our Nation’s cybersecurity“.

NCSAM 2018 Theme for each week as outlined by StaySafeOnline.org

Week 1: Make Your Home a Haven for Online Safety (Oct. 1-5)

“Every day, parents and caregivers teach kids basic safety practices ‒ like looking both ways before crossing the street and holding an adult’s hand in a crowded place. Easy-to-learn life lessons for online safety and privacy begin with parents leading the way. Learning good cybersecurity practices can also help set a strong foundation for a career in the industry. With family members using the internet to engage in social media, adjust the home thermostat or shop for the latest connected toy, it is vital to make certain that the entire household ‒ including children – learn to use the internet safely and responsibly and that networks and mobile devices are secure. Week 1 will underscore basic cybersecurity essentials the entire family can deploy to protect their homes against cyber threats.”

Week 2: Millions of Rewarding Jobs: Education for a Career in Cybersecurity (Oct. 8-12)

“A key risk to our economy and security continues to be the shortage of cybersecurity professionals to safeguard our ever-expanding cyber ecosystem. Raising the next generation of interested and capable cybersecurity professionals is a starting point to building stronger defenses. There are limitless opportunities to educate students of all ages – from high school into higher education and beyond – on the field of cybersecurity as they consider their options. In addition, veterans and individuals who are looking for a new career or re-entering the workforce, should explore the multitude of well-paying and rewarding jobs available. Week 2 will address ways to motivate parents, teachers and counselors to learn more about the field and how to best inspire students and others to seek highly fulfilling cybersecurity careers.”

Week 3: It’s Everyone’s Job to Ensure Online Safety at Work (Oct. 15-19)

“When you are on the job – whether it’s at a corporate office, local restaurant, healthcare provider, academic institution or government agency ‒ your organization’s online safety and security are a responsibility we all share. And, as the lines between our work and daily lives become increasingly blurred, it more important than ever to be certain that smart cybersecurity carries over between the two. Week 3 will focus on cybersecurity workforce education, training and awareness while emphasizing risk management, resistance and resilience. NCSA’s CyberSecure My Business™ will shed light on how small and medium-sized businesses can protect themselves, their employees and their customers against the most prevalent threats.”

Week 4: Safeguarding the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure (Oct. 22-26)

“Our day-to-day life depends on the country’s 16 sectors of critical infrastructure, which supply food, water, financial services, public health, communications and power along with other networks and systems. A disruption to this system, which is operated via the internet, can have significant and even catastrophic consequences for our nation. Week 4 will emphasize the importance of securing our critical infrastructure and highlight the roles the public can play in keeping it safe. In addition, it will lead the transition into November’s Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, which is spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.”

Overall, the goal of National Cyber Security Awareness Month is to educate everyone about the important role they play in making the internet safe for today, tomorrow and the future. SandStorm IT is committed to keeping you and your information safe & secure. If you have any questions about any type of IT Security or want to suggest a future blog topic, please contact SandStorm IT at 901-475-0275.