National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our Nation and aims to shed light on security vulnerabilities, while offering guidance surrounding simple security measures to keep yourself and your information safe. NCSAM is co-led by the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA). We are committed to the global effort to promote the awareness of staying safe and more secure online.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds everyone on practical ways to keep your data protected and mitigate risks with the evolving threat landscape. CISA has recommendations to support organizations in strengthening their cybersecurity by raising awareness and empowering everyone from digital forms of crime to fulfill a vision of a more secure interconnected world. The Department of Information Resources (DIR) has compiled a list of activities.
This year the overarching theme is “Secure Our World”!!
The Cybersecurity Awareness Month’s behavior focuses are:
- Using strong passwords and a password manager
- Turn on multi-factor authentication
- Recognizing and reporting phishing
- Update software
This means, if a device can connect to the Internet, it’s your job to keep it safe and secure from outside influence. More than ever before, connected devices are a huge part of our lives and are an integral part of how we communicate. Data collected from these devices can reveal highly specific information about a person or business which can be used by criminals for their personal gain.
Each of us can get involved this October and is empowered to protect themselves from digital forms of crime.
Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart
RESOURCES
Awareness Month URLs
- Governor’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month Proclamation
- DIR: https://dir.texas.gov/information-security/cybersecurity-awareness-month
- NCA: https://staysafeonline.org/programs/cybersecurity-awareness-month/
- CISA: cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month
- Travis County Information Security: https://traviscentral.traviscountytx.gov/its/security
Vulnerability Management URLs
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Protecting Kids Online
- Children’s Health Council (CHC): Protecting Kids Online web resource
- Rescue America: 5 Ways to Keep Your Child Safe Online
- CISA: Understanding Firewalls for Home and Small Office Use
- NCA: Securing Your Home Network
- CISA: Telework Guidance
Training Activities and Career Growth URLs
- Hack Safely with these Resources: Try Hack Me, Vulnerable By Design
- National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS): Cyber Career Paths
- Cybersecurity Guide: Find your cybersecurity degree or certification
EVENTS
- Oct 02-02: (Free) NCA Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 Kick-off
- Oct 06-06: (Free) DIR Cyber Awareness Webinar- Deepfakes in the wild
- Oct 09-09: (Free) TxDOT Cybersecurity Month Threat Hunting Workshop
- Oct 17-17: (Free) TMD Texas Military Department CyberAware24
- Oct 23-23: (Free) DIR & Gartner security webinar- Getting employees take risk seriously