Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2020

Today starts the 17th annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month which is held every October and was created as a collaborative effort between governments and private industry to ensure that everyone has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online.

History

Cybersecurity Awareness Month was launched in October 2004 by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “Operated in many respects as a grassroots campaign, the month’s effort has grown to include the participation of a multitude of industry participants that engage their customers, employees and the general public in awareness, as well college campuses, nonprofits and other groups. The collaboration of NCSA and DHS on Cybersecurity Awareness Month is one of the many successful public-private partnerships that are so critical to cybersecurity”, according to the NCSA.

You can read more about the history of Cybersecurity Awareness Month on the NCSA website.

Global Reach

While Cybersecurity Awareness Month started in the U.S., it has grown to become a popular global effort supported by governments and businesses in many countries around the world. According to the 2019 program results 2,477 organizations and individuals registered as champions with a combined reach estimated at 50.5 million people in 40 countries and 5 billion global views of content through the program. Additional links to country-specific resources can be found at the end of this article.

2020 Theme

The theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2020 is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” The goal is to empower individuals and organizations to own and execute on their role in protecting their part of cyberspace. The key message for 2020 is, “If you connect it, protect it.”

Throughout October, CISA and NCSAM will focus on the following areas:

October 1 and 2: Official NCSAM Kick-off
Week of October 5 (Week 1): If You Connect It, Protect It
Week of October 12 (Week 2): Securing Devices at Home and Work
Week of October 19 (Week 3): Securing Internet-Connected Devices in Healthcare
Week of October 26 (Week 4): The Future of Connected Devices

Use NCSAM’s hashtag #BeCyberSmart before and during October to promote your involvement in raising cybersecurity awareness.

Get Involved

Other than reading Between The Hacks, and articles and social media posts from other Champions, the NCSA has listed many ways that everyone can do their part in being cyber-smart. A few are listed below.

Social Media

Follow the National Cyber Security Alliance on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn to receive the latest online safety news and resources.
Post online safety tips and reminders about Cybersecurity Awareness Month on your social networks. Use the hashtag #BeCyberSmart on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media sites.

At Work, At School, and In the Community

Become a Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion, and show your organization or school’s official involvement in the month. It’s free and simple to sign up.
Post the Cybersecurity Awareness Month logo on your company or school’s external or internal website. You can link to the Cybersecurity Awareness Month “About” page to provide more info.
Send an email to colleagues, employees, customers and/or your school and community about the month and outline how your organization will be involved. Highlight the theme and messaging. You can use information from the toolkit in the email. See the “Employee Email Template” available to all Champions.

At Home

Sign up for NCSA’s newsletter to receive regular online safety news and resources.
Print NCSA resources and display them in areas where family members spend time online.
Hold a family “tech talk.” Learn and discuss how each family member can protect their devices and information.
Send an email to friends and family informing them that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and encourage them to visit staysafeonline.org for tips and resources.