October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month: What and Why

Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) is an annual campaign held in October to raise awareness about cybersecurity and encourage people to take steps to protect themselves online. CSAM is led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA), in collaboration with a broad range of partners from government, industry, and the non-profit sector.

CSAM is important because everyone is at risk of cyberattacks. Cybercriminals use a variety of tactics to steal personal information, financial data, and other sensitive information. They can also damage computer systems and networks, disrupt critical infrastructure, and commit other crimes.

The theme for CSAM 2023 is "See Yourself in Cyber." This theme is meant to remind people that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. It is also meant to encourage people to learn more about cybersecurity threats and how to protect themselves.

Key messages for CSAM 2023:

1. Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart. This message reminds people that everyone can play a role in protecting themselves and their organizations from cyberattacks.

2. Passphrases are Stronger Than Passwords. This message encourages people to use strong passphrases instead of passwords. Passphrases are longer and more complex than passwords, which makes them more difficult to crack.

3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This message encourages people to enable MFA whenever possible. MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password.

4. Update Your Software. This message encourages people to install software updates as soon as they are available. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from known vulnerabilities.

5. Beware of Phishing Emails. This message reminds people to be careful about what links they click on and what attachments they open. Phishing emails are one of the most common ways that cybercriminals gain access to people's accounts and devices.

Cybersecurity Awareness is Important for Everyone

Cybersecurity awareness is important for everyone, regardless of their age, technical expertise, or role in society. Cybercriminals do not care who they target. They are only interested in stealing your information or disrupting your life.

Here are some tips for staying safe online:

• Be careful about what information you share online. Avoid sharing personal information on social media or other public websites. Only share sensitive information with trusted sources.

• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible.

• Keep your software up to date.

• Be careful about what links you click on and what attachments you open.

• Be skeptical of unsolicited emails and phone calls.

How Organizations Can Promote Cybersecurity Awareness

Organizations can play a vital role in promoting cybersecurity awareness.

Here are some things that organizations can do:

• Provide cybersecurity training to employees.
• Implement cybersecurity policies and procedures.
• Create a culture of security where everyone feels comfortable reporting suspicious activity.
• Promote cybersecurity awareness through internal communications and events.
• Participate in Cybersecurity Awareness Month and other cybersecurity awareness campaigns.

Cybersecurity awareness is essential for protecting yourself and your organization from cyberattacks. By taking the time to learn about cybersecurity threats and how to protect yourself, you can help keep your information safe and secure.