Cybersecurity Awareness

September 6, 2023

We live in a digital age, where we interact with technology and the internet on a daily basis. This should make cybersecurity a top priority. What is Cybersecurity? The practice of protecting internet-connected systems, including hardware, software, and data, from attack, damage, or unauthorized access.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM)

Cybersecurity Awareness Month was launched by the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in October 2004 as a broad effort to help all Americans stay safe and more secure online.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month – observed every October – is a collaboration between the government and private industry to raise awareness about digital security. The goal is to empower everyone to protect their personal data from digital forms of crime. 

History Highlights

2009

• DHS Secretary launched a Cybersecurity Awareness Month event in Washington, D.C. – became the highest-ranking government official to participate in the months’ activities  

2010

• STOP. THINK. CONNECT campaign launched – featured in the president’s proclamation for the month, as the national cybersecurity education and awareness message
• NCA moved the launch, to sites around the country – previous sites included: Seattle and Bellevue, WA, Ypsilanti, MI, Omaha, NE, Boston, MA, Nashville, TN and Washington, D.C. 

2011

• NCA and DHS developed the concept of weekly themes, during the month – made aspects of cybersecurity easier to communicate and aligned other groups with the specific themes 
  

2023 Key Behaviors

The National Cybersecurity Alliance will focus on the following key behaviors for 2023 Cybersecurity Awareness Month:        

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
• Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager
• Update Software
• Recognize and Report Phishing
  

MCC Campus Events to Celebrate

Don’t get spooked by cybersecurity! During the month of October, the ISS – Cybersecurity Team will be celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Come join in the fun, learn about good cyber hygiene behaviors and ways to stay safe in this digital world.    

Get Social

In October, use #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth to share tips, tricks or anything cybersecurity related!