October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. At Kosciusko Connect, we’ve been intent on getting information to our subscribers about cyber threats and how to protect their home networks. Our Don’t Get Scammed! blog series has covered the details of phishing, malware, man-in-the-middle attacks, ransomware, denial-of-service attacks, and pharming. On the latest episode of our podcast, Connected Conversations, we talked with Kosciusko Connect Fiber Support Specialist Jaden Moneyhun about cyber scams and how they’re affecting our fiber internet subscribers here in Kosciusko County and surrounding areas. In this blog article, we will explore what Cybersecurity Awareness Month is, how it originated, and discuss the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) awareness campaign, launched in recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month’s 20th year.
What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an annual initiative celebrated every October. It's a collaborative effort between government and industry leaders that aims to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and empower individuals and organizations to safeguard their digital lives.
The History of Cybersecurity Awareness Month
The roots of Cybersecurity Awareness Month can be traced back to 2003 when it was initially launched by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Back then, it was called National Cybersecurity Awareness Week and was a U.S.-only event. Over the years, it gained momentum and expanded its reach globally.
In 2004, Canada joined the initiative, making it North American Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It wasn't until 2011 that the European Union joined, and the initiative became a truly international effort. This expansion emphasizes the universal importance of cybersecurity and the need for a united front against cyber threats.
Secure Our World
In recognition of the 20th year of National Cybersecurity Awareness month, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced their new cybersecurity awareness program, Secure Our World. According to the CISA, “Secure Our World reflects a new enduring message to be integrated across the CISA’s awareness campaigns and programs and encourages all of us to take action each day to protect ourselves when online or using connected devices.”
The program focuses on how individuals, families, and small to medium-sized businesses can Secure Our World with four critical actions. The campaign aims to promote behavioral change across the Nation.
The 4 crucial steps that can help Secure Our World are:
- Use Strong Passwords: Strong passwords are long, random, unique and include all four character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers and symbols). Password managers are a powerful tool to help you create strong passwords for each of your accounts.
- Turn on MFA: You need more than a password to protect your online accounts and enabling multifactor authentication (MFA) makes you significantly less likely to get hacked. Enable MFA on all your online accounts that offer it, especially email, social media and financial accounts.
- Recognize & Report Phishing: Be cautious of unsolicited messages asking for personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive information or credentials with unknown sources. Report phishing attempts and delete the message.
- Update Software: Ensuring your software is up to date is the best way to make sure you have the latest security patches and updates on your devices. Regularly check for updates if automatic updates are not available.
If the world collaborated in following these four steps, it would greatly reduce online risk and go a long way in securing our digital spaces. As we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, remember that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. By staying informed and taking these proactive steps to protect our digital lives, we can all contribute to a safer online world.
Learn more about Secure Our World.
Listen to our Kosciusko Connect podcast Connected Conversations Episode 6: Puppy Scams, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity Awareness Month