National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2024

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is an annual campaign held in October that focuses on raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. This month-long initiative encourages individuals, organizations, and communities to learn about cybersecurity risks, adopt safe online practices, and enhance their overall digital security. NCSAM provides valuable information, resources, and guidance to help protect against cyber threats and promote a secure online environment.

What is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024?

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 is a month-long effort dedicated to promoting cybersecurity awareness and education. It aims to empower individuals and organizations to take proactive steps in safeguarding their digital lives, assets, and sensitive information. NCSAM emphasizes the shared responsibility of cybersecurity among all stakeholders.

When is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024?

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is observed throughout the entire month of October each year. During this time, various government agencies, cybersecurity organizations, and industry leaders collaborate to promote cybersecurity best practices and educate the public about cyber threats.

How to Participate in National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024?

Participating in National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is essential for staying safe online and protecting your digital assets. Here are ways to get involved:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about common cyber threats, such as phishing, malware, and ransomware, and how to recognize and avoid them.
• Update Software: Ensure that your devices, operating systems, and software applications are up to date with the latest security patches.
• Use Strong Passwords: Create and regularly update strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and consider using a password manager.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Activate 2FA wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
• Back Up Data: Regularly back up your important data to secure and accessible locations to prevent data loss in case of cyberattacks.
• Share Knowledge: Educate friends, family, and colleagues about cybersecurity best practices and encourage them to participate in NCSAM.
• Stay Informed: Follow cybersecurity news, blogs, and resources to stay updated on the latest threats and security tips.

History of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month was first observed in 2004 as a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance. Since then, it has grown into a global awareness campaign, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in our increasingly connected world.

Relevant Hashtags

When sharing information and experiences related to National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024, consider using these relevant hashtags:

• #CybersecurityAwareness
• #NCSAM
• #OnlineSafety
• #CyberSec
• #ProtectYourData
• #StayCyberAware

Using these hashtags can help you connect with individuals and organizations committed to promoting cybersecurity awareness and best practices, allowing you to share valuable information and insights. 

This October, there are simple steps you can take to make you more secure online.

Remember: cyber security is everyone’s business.

Cyber Security Awareness Month is an annual reminder to secure your devices and accounts from cyber threats.

Protecting yourself online doesn’t have to be hard. There are simple things you, your family, friends and colleagues can do to improve your cyber security.

The theme for this year is cyber security is everyone’s business and we are encouraging you to prioritise cyber security by taking these actions:

Enable multi-factor authentication

Install software updates when available

Use strong and unique passphrases

Recognise and report phishing

Enable multi-factor authentication

Lock the front door to your online presence by always enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA).

MFA is having two or more steps to verify your identity before you can log in to your account. It gives you an extra layer of security and makes it harder for someone else to access your online accounts.

Turn on MFA when possible – starting with your most important accounts.

To learn more, visit multi-factor authentication.

Install software updates when available

Software updates are one of the strongest defences in your security toolkit.

Updates are new, improved or fixed versions of software or apps. Updating your devices and applications can fix software issues, address new security risks and add new features.

Check that automatic updates are on, and install updates as soon as possible. The longer you leave it, the more vulnerable you could be to a cyber attack.

Learn how to update your devices.

Use strong and unique passphrases

Make yourself a harder target by using different passphrases for each of your online accounts.

Passphrases are the most secure version of passwords. A passphrase is made up of four or more random words, making them harder to guess, but easy to remember.

Create passphrases that are long, unique and unpredictable. Use a different passphrase for each account so that if one account gets compromised, your other accounts remain safe.

A password manager can help you to create and store unique passphrases. Learn how to set up secure passphrases and use password managers.

Recognise and report phishing

Phishing is a way cyber criminals trick you into giving them personal information. They send you fraudulent emails or text messages, often pretending to be from large organisations you know or trust. They may try to steal your online banking logins, credit card details or passwords. Phishing can lead to loss of information, money or identity theft. 

Cyber Security Awareness Month assets

You can spread awareness of cyber security and encourage making cyber security everyone’s business by using the following communication assets:

Article By : Trupti Thakur