When it comes to keeping sensitive and personal data safe, it’s up to everyone to do their part to protect it.
Together.
“Do Your Part, #BeCyberSmart” is this year’s theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which focuses on raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across the United States.
People and organizations are encouraged to own their role in taking steps to:
- Protect their part of cyberspace
- Spread awareness of cybersecurity
- Incorporate cybersecurity best practices into decision making processes
I’ve participated in Cybersecurity Awareness Month for over 10 years, and always learn something new about how to protect my personal data as well as my clients’ data.
What is Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
Launched in 2004 by the National Cyber Security Alliance & the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is dedicated to helping people and businesses learn to stay safe and secure online.
This year marks the 18th anniversary of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held every October.
Initially, efforts focused on updating antivirus software and changing smoke alarm batteries during Daylight Savings Time.
The event grew over the years, with more people and organizations participating. And the effort expanded to educate people and organizations on keeping their online lives safe and secure.
As people continue working from home in 2021, it’s crucial for people, businesses, and organizations to take steps to keep digital assets private and protected.
What You Can Do to Improve Your Cybersecurity
From workshops to panel discussions to webinars, you have a slew of free Cybersecurity Awareness Month virtual events this month to learn about cybersecurity best practices, trends, and strategies.
Here are a few of my favorite events:
Stop Stealing My Data: How to Protect Your Staff’s Personal Data from Hackers and Scammers
- Date: October 21, 2021
- Speakers: FBI and Trend Micro
- Description: Learn who’s under attack, how threats have evolved, what can be done, and who’s responsible for protecting them
Everything is Connected – Seeing the Bigger Picture
- Date: October 22, 2021
- Speakers: Leslie Daigle, David Muxfeld, and Lisa Plaggemier
- Description: Panel discussion: recognizing the current problems facing security decision makers, panelists will discuss what investments organizations should be making in cyber security plus workforce development in our connected future.
Cybersecurity Crossroads: The Intersection of Information, Technology, and People
- Date: October 27, 2021 (four hours)
- Speakers: over 17 cybersecurity experts from Google, NortonLifeLock, Nasdaq, Harvard, Wells Fargo, and more
- Description: Hosted by the National Cyber Security Alliance and Nasdaq, the “Cybersecurity Crossroads”, is an in-depth look at the current cybersecurity landscape and its future, as an intersection of information, technology, and people.
All events are free and virtual, but you’ll need to pre-register online.
Wrapping Up
We can all agree it’s important to protect yourself, your family, your devices, and your business when you’re online.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an excellent opportunity to learn how to stay safe and secure online.
I can’t repeat it too often: the best way to protect sensitive and personal data safe is for everyone to do their part.
Do your part, be cybersmart!
