October is National CyberSecurity Awareness Month

The US Department of Homeland Security has observed National Cyber Security Awareness Month every October since 2004. NCSAM is connected with the Stop. Think. Connect campaign. The focus is part of a global effort to provide both businesses and individuals the information, resources and tools they need to stay safe on the internet and building a safer and more secure online community.

To collaborate with the efforts of DHS and NCSA (National Cyber Security Alliance), SandStorm IT will be publishing security focused blog posts to the SandStorm IT Blog every Thursday — continuing beyond October.

The NCSAM theme for each week as outlined on DHS.gov:

“Week 1: October 2-6 – Theme: Simple Steps to Online Safety.

All members of the public can take some simple actions to protect themselves online and to recover in the event a cyber incident occurs.  Week 1 will address the top consumer cybersecurity concerns, provide simple steps to protect against these concerns, and help the public understand what to do if they fall victim to cybercrime.

Week 2: October 9-13 – Theme: Cybersecurity in the Workplace is Everyone’s Business

Creating a culture of cybersecurity is critical for all organizations ‒ large and small businesses, academic institutions, non-profits, and government agencies – and must be a shared responsibility among all employees. Week 2 will showcase how organizations can protect against the most common cyber threats. The week will also look at resources to help organizations strengthen their cyber resilience, including the use of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework.

Week 3: October 16-20 – Theme: Today’s Predictions for Tomorrow’s Internet

Smart cities, connected devices, digitized records, as well as smart cars and homes have become a new reality. Week 3 will remind citizens that their sensitive, personal information is the fuel that makes smart devices work. While there are tremendous benefits of this technology, it is critical to understand how to use these cutting-edge innovations in safe and secure ways.

Week 4: October 23-27 – Theme: The Internet Wants YOU: Consider a Career in Cybersecurity

According to a study by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, by 2022, there will be a shortage of 1.8 million information security workers. It is critical that today’s students graduate ready to enter the workforce to fill the vast number of available cybersecurity positions. Week 4 will encourage students and other job seekers to explore cybersecurity careers. Key influencers – like parents, teachers, guidance counselors and state and local officials – will learn more about this growing field and how to engage youth in pursuing cybersecurity careers.

Week 5: October 30-31 – Theme: Protecting Critical Infrastructure from Cyber Threats

The essential systems that support our daily lives – such as electricity, financial institutions, and transportation – are all dependent upon the Internet. Building resilience in critical infrastructure is crucial to our national security.  Week 5 will look at cybersecurity in relation to keeping our traffic lights, running water, phone lines, and other critical infrastructure secure. It also facilitates the transition to November’s Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month (CISR), highlighting the tie between cybersecurity and our nation’s critical infrastructure.”

Overall, National Cyber Security Awareness Month is a great step in the right direction as far as IT security is concerned. By educating users and business about smart policies and procedures that will keep them protected, it creates an overall more secure user base.

SandStorm IT is committed to keeping you and your information safe & secure. If you have any questions about any type of IT Security, please contact SandStorm IT at 901-475-0275.