October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

                               

Every October since 2004, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month has been held, co-led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). This collaborative effort between government and industry is designed to ensure every American understands the importance of cybersecurity – and has the resources they need to stay safe and secure online. Now in its seventeenth year, Cybersecurity Awareness has continued to grow, reaching consumers, small and mid-sized businesses, large corporations, educational institutions and young people across the United States.

Staying Safe Online during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month



The theme of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2020 is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart, with a key message of “If you connect it, protect it.” Everyone, from individuals to large organizations, must do their part to keep our interconnected world safe and resilient. This means implementing stronger security practices to help prevent an event like a data breach or cyber attack.

Cyberattacks continue to become more common, with big names like Citrix and Marriott Starwood succumbing to data breaches back in 2018. According to data from Statista, the majority of the 1,473 data breaches that occurred in the United States in 2019 involved businesses or medical and healthcare organizations.

In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic changed the way many businesses and families operate. To help flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus, many companies allowed employees to work from their homes for the foreseeable future. Children began to get accustomed to virtual and online learning. These moves have given cyber criminals even more opportunities to strike.

It’s more important than ever that people understand the importance of online safety in their homes and workplaces – wherever those workplaces may be. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways National Cybersecurity Awareness Month helps businesses, employees, families and students protect sensitive data with helpful information to keep in mind throughout the year.

During October, each week focuses on different areas of cybersecurity, including:

Week 1: If You Connect It, Protect It

There’s no denying that internet-connected devices have changed the way we work and live. It’s vital that we understand how all these connections, both online and offline, create certain challenges and opportunities that impact our lives. Week one will empower users to own their responsibility in securing devices to reduce their risks.

Week 2: Securing Devices at Home and Work

Both homes and businesses are more connected than ever. As more people work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, we need to continue to be conscious of the potential vulnerabilities our internet-connected devices face. During week two of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the measures individuals and employers can take to protect internet-connected devices will be highlighted.

Week 3: Securing Internet-Connected Devices in Healthcare

As previously mentioned, the healthcare industry has been particularly vulnerable to data breaches over the past several years. The advance of technologies, including telemedicine, digital health records and internet-connected medical devices, has both benefitted and exposed the industry to potential cyber threats. The third week will discuss what the healthcare industry and patients can do to #BeCyberSmart.

Week 4: The Future of Connected Devices

Internet-connected devices will continue to evolve, and every user needs to continue to do their part to stay safe. The last week of Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on what the future may hold, and how both individuals and organizations can prepare and adapt to the changes ahead.

Courtesy of PolicyWire By AmTrust

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