National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) – celebrated every October – was created as a collaborative effort between government and industryto ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online.
Since its inception a decade ago under leadership from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, NCSAM has grown exponentially, reaching consumers, small and medium-size businesses, corporations, educational institutions, and young people across the nation.
This year, we are celebrating the 10th anniversary of National Cyber Security Awareness Month.
Our Shared Responsibility
We lead Internet-connected, digital lives. From our desks and homes to on the go, we work, learn and play online. Even when we are not directly connected to the Internet, our critical infrastructure—the vast, worldwide connection of computers, data, and websites supporting our everyday lives through financial transactions, transportation systems, healthcare records, emergency response systems, personal communications, and more—impacts everyone.
Cybersecurity is the mechanism that maximizes our ability to grow commerce, communications, community and content in a connected world.
The Internet is a shared resource and securing it is Our Shared Responsibility. Our Shared Responsibility is once again our theme for National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2013.
No individual, business, or government entity is solely responsible for securing the Internet. Everyone has a role in securing their part of cyberspace, including the devices and networks they use. Individual actions have a collective impact and when we use the Internet safely, we make it more secure for everyone. If each of us does our part—implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating young people, training employees—together we will be a digital society safer and more resistant from attacks and more resilient if one occurs.
Cybersecurity begins with a simple message everyone using the Internet can adopt: STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Take security and safety precautions, understand the consequences of your actions and behaviors online and enjoy the benefits of the Internet.
Get Involved
Individuals, organizations, and communities throughout the United States are promoting National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) and letting others know that all of us have a role in protecting our digital lives. Tens of thousands of NCSAM participants across the country will be doing their part by posting safety and security tips on social networks, educating their customers and employees, engaging in traditional media, displaying posters, posting tips, holding events, and much more.
If you are concerned about making the Internet safer and more secure for everyone, we invite you to become an active participant in National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Everyone can do something—even if you have less than one hour to devote to this effort!
We have divided the month into themed weeks to help focus on core issues in Cybersecurity. Take a look and find a part of the month that’s most relevant to you. Participate in one or all of the weeks and share the message by using the resources we’ve created to help you: http://staysafeonline.org/ncsam/get-involved/promotencsam
Weekly Themes
NCSAM focuses on a different Cybersecurity issue for each week in October:
Week 1 October 1-6, 2013
Theme: 10 Years & Beyond: General Online Safety & STOP. THINK. CONNECT.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we will take time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished so far in keeping people safe and secure online, and what we need to achieve in the decade ahead. Week 1 also aims to raise online safety awareness among all Americans and reinforce the simple measures everyone should take to be safer and more secure online and their understanding that Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.
Week 2 October 7-13, 2013
Theme: Being Mobile: Online Safety & Security
We now take the convenience and productivity of the Internet everywhere we go. We work untethered from a physical location, stay connected as we travel and use portable devices to shop, bank, and manage our daily lives from anywhere. Week 2 highlights the need to maintain a focus on safety and security wherever and whenever we use the Internet.
Week 3: October 14-20, 2013
Theme: Cyber Education and the Next Generation of Cyber Leaders
In order to have a cyber-secure nation, we need to graduate cyber-capable adults who can use the Internet safely, securely, ethically and productively and build a workforce of Cybersecurity professionals to defend our networks. We can be successful if we teach everyone essentials and reach the next generation of cyber leaders at an earlier age. Week 3 highlights the importance of cyber education andworkforce development, including the advancement and opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education.
Week 4: October 21-27, 2013
Theme: Cybercrime
Today’s world is more interconnected than ever before. Yet, for all its advantages, increased connectivity brings increased risk of theft, fraud, and abuse. Week 4 will highlight how people can protect themselves against cybercrime and how to get help.
Week 5: October 28-31, 2013
Theme: Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure
The Internet impacts our daily life, even when we’re not directly using it. The Internet underlies our financial transactions, transportation systems, electrical grid, emergency response systems and nearly every facet of the essential services we use every day. Week 5 highlights the need to take every step necessary to protect our critical infrastructure.
Use 2013 National Cyber Security Awareness Month to begin incorporating STOP. THINK. CONNECT. into your online routine. For more ideas on promoting National Cyber Security Awareness Month, visit
http://staysafeonline.org/ncsam/get-involved
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