The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has commenced the 21st edition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month with the aim to elevate cybersecurity awareness and educate the public on modern information security structures. Partnering with the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), CISA has chosen the theme “Secure Our World” for the month of October.
During this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, CISA emphasized four crucial actions that individuals can take to strengthen their online security. Firstly, users are advised to ensure that their passwords are long, random, and unique for each account. It is recommended to use a password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords, which facilitates maintaining strong security across multiple accounts. Another vital action is to enable multifactor authentication (MFA) on important accounts like email, social media, and financial services to provide an additional layer of security beyond passwords and reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Furthermore, CISA stressed the significance of recognizing and reporting phishing attempts. Users are encouraged to exercise caution with unsolicited messages, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and refrain from sharing personal information. Reporting any doubtful attempts promptly can aid in safeguarding not only oneself but also others. Lastly, keeping software updated is essential for maintaining security as users are prompted to regularly check for updates and activate automatic updates to ensure their devices are equipped with the latest security patches.
CISA Director Jen Easterly expressed her enthusiasm about collaborating with the National Cybersecurity Alliance to lead the federal government’s efforts in reducing online risks during Cybersecurity Awareness Month and throughout the year. She emphasized the importance of taking simple everyday steps to keep digital lives safe online.
To further enhance cybersecurity, CISA has developed customized guidance tailored for various groups. For individuals and families, resources focus on securing personal accounts, enhancing device safety, safe internet browsing practices, and protecting personal information online. Small and medium-sized businesses face unique cybersecurity challenges, and to assist them, CISA offers a range of tools and resources designed to strengthen defenses against data breaches and cyber-attacks, thus contributing to the security of these businesses and their communities.
CISA encourages everyone to explore the resources available on their Cybersecurity Awareness Month website, including a comprehensive toolkit, tip sheets, and animated videos aimed at fostering greater cybersecurity awareness among individuals, families, and businesses. Cybersecurity Awareness Month has been officially recognized since 2004, and it serves as a dedicated time for public and private sectors to collaborate in raising awareness about cybersecurity.
The “Secure Our World” initiative introduced by CISA in 2023 has become the overarching theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of daily actions to mitigate online risks while using connected devices. Organizations are encouraged to embrace the “Secure Our World” theme when planning their Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaigns. By following essential cybersecurity practices and engaging in discussions about online security with family, friends, and employees, individuals can contribute to creating a safer digital environment for all.