Each and every one of us needs to do our part to make sure that our online lives are kept safe and secure. That’s what National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) — observed in October — is all about!
NCSAM was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure that every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online.
Since its inception 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-sized businesses, corporations, educational institutions, and young people across the nation. 2018 marks its 15th year.
For our part, CTN regularly delivers cyber security content into our digital literacy programs. No one is prepared to harness the power of technology until they have learned to mitigate the risks associated with the digital world. Common scams like phishing, impersonation of loved ones or authority figures, and data ransom all target new learners with little prior online experience. CTN helps learners create strong passwords, monitor online account activity, and spot malicious content while browsing the Internet.
“I’m a nosy person by nature, so before this class I would have clicked on any link anyone sends me,” learner Thelma Pannell shared with her Connect @ Home class during a discussion on cyber security. “I didn’t think anyone wanted to hack my account.” Learners rarely know the value their personal information holds for online criminals.
In the spirit of NCSAM, refresh yourself on internet safety tips and tricks available at StaySafeOnline.org.