Security

3 Ways to Get Involved with National Cyber Security Awareness Month

Keeping the Internet safe is everyone’s responsibility.

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Jimmy is a writer and editor who publishes a weekly newsletter. You can find him on Twitter.

We all take safety on the Internet for granted. How many websites have access to your personal information, a credit card number or even your social security number? When data like that enters the web, you assume that it will be safe as it travels hundreds or thousands of miles to and from data centers.

The increase from 2006-2009 in reported cybersecurity incidents at civilian agencies. Read more here.

The same is true for the federal government, whose information is vital to the security of our nation. While it’s mainly the responsibility of the Homeland Security Department to keep that information safe, we all can chip in to make the Internet a safer place. That is the goal of National Cyber Security Awareness Month:

Yet, for all of its advantages, increased connectivity brings increased risk of crime – thus making cybersecurity one of our country’s most important national security priorities. Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity, President Obama designated October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). NCSAM is designed to engage and educate public and private sector partners through events and initiatives with the goal of raising awareness about cybersecurity and increasing the resiliency of the nation in the event of a cyber incident.

Visit DHS.gov to learn more.

There are many ways to get involved with National Cyber Security Awareness Month. In the meantime, here are three things you can do to make the Internet a safer place:

Social media. StaySafeOnline.org has provided posts that you can share on Twitter, Facebook or Google+. Use the hashtag #ncsam to get involved in the conversation.
The water cooler. Print one of these safety tips and post it by the office water cooler, printer or refrigerator.
Talk about it. We get lots of information from the Internet, but a good conversation goes a long way. Talk to people in your office and at home about safe ways to use the web.

Get more information about National Cyber Security Awareness Month.