This October marks the 18th anniversary of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month that aims to raise awareness about cybersecurity and ensure that all Americans have the resources they need to be safe and secure online. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is organized through a partnership between the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
This year’s theme is a continuation of last year’s – “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” It continues to encourage individuals and organizations to take proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity. Each week of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on a different area, providing information on a range of cybersecurity topics.
Week 1’s topic is “Do Your Part.” This first week will help promote the understanding that cybersecurity starts with YOU. It’s everyone’s responsibility to take cybersecurity seriously and to take steps to protect yourself and your electronic devices.
Week 2 is “Fight the Phish!” Attacks like ransomware, identity theft, financial fraud, even just losing access to online accounts disrupt the way we live, work, and socialize. Many of these attacks start with a phishing email so it’s important to learn how to fight phishing. You will learn how to spot a phishing email and other tips to keep you safe.
The third week offers something a little different than previous years and is a great addition that’s near and dear to my heart. The theme for this week is “Explore. Experience. Share.” It focuses on cybersecurity careers and the very important role that cybersecurity professionals have. Now more than ever, we need dedicated professionals to keep us and our businesses safe. You will learn how you can explore cybersecurity careers and what you can do to start your career in this very rewarding field.
The final week will cover “Cybersecurity First.” It aims to remind everyone that cybersecurity should be one of the first considerations when they create, buy, or install any device or connected service. This applies to both individuals and organizations and will cover how you can incorporate cybersecurity best practices into your decision-making process.
You can access this information by visiting the National Cyber Security Alliance Website (https://www.staysafeonline.org), the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency website (https://www.cisa.gov), or by following the hashtag #BeCyberSmart on your favorite social media platform.
Also, as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Hawaiian Telcom will host a free educational event on Thursday, October 7. The event will discuss cybersecurity trends in Hawai‘i, the current cyber threat landscape, compliance frameworks and more. For more information, please visit the Events page on the Business section of our website: https://www.hawaiiantel.com/business/Business/Hawaiian-Telcom-University/Virtual-Events.
Until next time, stay safe out there.
Mike Kober is the Senior Manager of Security Service Operations at Hawaiian Telcom. Reach him at mike.kober@hawaiiantel.com.