October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. NCAM is a joint venture introduced in 2004 by the National Cyber Security Division (NCSD), which is part of the Department of Homeland Security, and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a non-profit organization. NCAM is a month-long campaign intended to help Internet users practice online safety and awareness, as well as increase “national resilience” if a major cyber incident occurs.
There are tips and resources offered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), designed to help people, organizations, and businesses, across all levels of computer literacy stay safe while using the Internet. Most of us are vulnerable to having personally identifiable information (PII) stolen, because almost everyone uses the Internet in some way that can leave us vulnerable (online bill payments, social media usage, online shopping).
DHS offers the Stop.Think.Connect. Toolkit. This online toolkit offers useful cybersecurity tips and resources to every segment of the population:
o Students K-8, 9-12, and Undergraduate
o Parents and educators
o Young Professionals
o Older Americans
o Small Business
o Law Enforcement
To check out toolkit resources for different audiences, go to:
The FBI has several useful tips for staying safe online. Scott Smith, Assistant Director of the FBI’s Cyber Division, states “…everyone has to play a role. Use common sense…don’t click on a link from an unsolicited e-mail, and remember that if an online deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. And overall, remain vigilant to keep yourself and your family safe in the online world, just as you do in the physical world (FBI, 2017).” The FBI provides several useful tips on how to stay safe on the Internet. Here are a few:
Familiarize yourself with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The IC3 is a user-friendly reporting system available to the public. If you have a complaint about an Internet crime or scam, use the IC3 to file your complaint, and IC3 uses the information submitted to relay cases to relevant law enforcement agencies.
Practice cyber awareness at work. For hackers and attackers, companies’ networks are a treasure trove of PII, financial data, and company secrets. Compromised business emails, by way of phishing and spearfishing scams, allow attackers to commit fraud and/or access employees’ PII.
Beware of the Internet of Things (IOT). Today, so many parts of our everyday lives are connected to the Internet. IOT devices, such as online home security systems, online baby monitors, online apps/devices that manage the lights, garage, and door locks, and smart appliances like refrigerators can leave you susceptible to hacking. “Using strong passwords and purchasing IOT devices from companies with a good security track record are just a few of the things you can do to protect your family and home (FBI, 2017).”
For more tips and resources on cyber safety from the FBI, check out https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/national-cyber-security-awareness-month-2017
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