National Cybersecurity Awareness Month launches today

Published 7 October 2011

DHS, in announcing the launching of the eighth annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), says that this is why cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and each of individual and organization has a role to play; “Emerging cyber threats require the engagement of our entire society including government and law enforcement, the private sector, and members of the public,” DHS says in a statement

 

Today’s world is more interconnected than ever before. Everything from online shopping to social networking to providing basic utilities requires the reliability and security of the Internet. Increased interconnectivity has many advantages, but it has also increased the risk of theft, fraud, and abuse to individuals, businesses, communities, and governments.

DHS, in announcing the launching of the eighth annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), says that this is why cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and each of individual and organization has a role to play. “Emerging cyber threats require the engagement of our entire society including government and law enforcement, the private sector, and members of the public,” DHS says in a statement.

The official launch event for National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) takes place in Ypsilanti, Michigan today with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, Representatives Mike Rogers, John Dingell Hansen Clarke, White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Howard Schmidt, Microsoft Director of Trustworthy Computing Jacqueline Beauchere and a wide variety of public, private and non-governmental organizations.

The Michigan launch event will also be broadcast live online via Facebook Live.

Today, President Barack Obama issued a presidential proclamation announcing the eighth annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month ( NCSAM ), which has been recognized by state and local governments, as well as industry and academia.  Every October, DHS says it takes the opportunity to engage public and private sector stakeholders, as well as the general public, to promote a safe, secure, and resilient cyber environment. 

This month is also the first anniversary of DHS’s Stop.Think.Connect Campaign, an ongoing national public awareness effort to engage and challenge Americans to join practice and promote safe online practices.

Individuals and business can follow a few simple steps to keep themselves, their identities, and information safe online:

 

  • Set strong passwords, and don’t share them with anyone.
  • Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.
  • Maintain an open dialogue with your children about Internet safety.
  • Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.
  • Be cautious about what you receive or read online — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Throughout the month of October and beyond, DHS invites Americans to join the department in creating a safe, secure and resilient cyberspace.