NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

October 2012 marks the ninth annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC).

NCSAM reminds citizens that online safety and security is a shared responsibility. Through a series of events and initiatives across the country, NCSAM will engage public and private sector partners to raise awareness and educate Americans about cybersecurity, and increase the resiliency of the Nation and its cyber infrastructure. NCSAM 2012 will focus on a different critical cybersecurity issue each week in October, including:

• Week One: Stop.Think.Connect. (http://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect) - Emphasizes general cybersecurity awareness and provides free resources including tips sheets, infographics, security check-ups, and online safety tips for businesses.

• Week Two: Law Enforcement and Cybersecurity. (http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/defending-against-cybercriminals.shtm) - Focuses on national and local efforts to prevent identity theft and other cyber crimes.

• Week Three: Industry Efforts in Cybersecurity. (http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/cybersecurity-is-everyones-business.shtm) - Highlights strategies and tools businesses of all sizes – including small business – can use to bolster their own cybersecurity defenses.

• Week Four: K-Life: Digital Literacy Efforts. (http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/cyber-education-workforce-development.shtm) - Showcases the urgent need to develop cyber education programs to train the next generation cyber workforce.