Background
To most people, October is associated with the start of Fall, scary movies, and candy, but to others, it is also associated with Cybersecurity Awareness Month. You might wonder, 'What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?' and 'How did it start?' This article will have the answer to your questions.
How it Started
Cybersecurity Awareness Month started back in 2004 when The National Cyber Security Alliance and The U.S. Department of Homeland Security came together with the goal of spreading awareness for online safety.
Each year has its own theme:
2009-2018 had the theme of “Our Shared Responsibility” and emphasized the notion that we all have to do our part to protect ourselves online.
2021’s theme is “Do Your Part” and emphasizes taking action to help prevent cyberattacks and protect cyberspace.
Each week is focused on a different aspect of cyber safety:
October 2021
Week 1- Focuses on the best practices for Cybersecurity including the basics such as creating strong passwords and backing up data.
Week 2- Focuses on Phishing attacks and how to recognize and avoid them.
Week 3- Focuses on Cybersecurity careers.
Week 4- Focuses on making security a priority not only at the individual level but a business level as well.
How you can “Do Your Part”
There are many ways you can spread awareness be it virtually or in person.
Virtually
Creating social media posts
Keeping up to date with Cybersecurity news and spreading the information
Create virtual presentation stressing the need for online security
In-Person
Starting Cybersecurity related clubs in school
Schedule team meetings to discuss potential cyber risks
Hold seminars to talk about basic ways to protect online information
These are only a few of the many ways you can spread awareness. Feel free to leave anymore ideas down in the comments below the article.
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