Security, Technology Tips

Understanding National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Posted on by Peter Fidler

cybersecurity

Each October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and in 2019, it will be going into its 16th year. This collaboration between industries and the government is an initiative to help raise awareness about just how important cybersecurity is in the world we live in today. The goal is to help more people in the United States have the resources needed when it comes to their security and their safety on the Internet. Cyber threats are a serious issue that tend to be getting more and more problematic. It is important to utilize initiatives such as this, and to educate the public.

The overall theme for the 2018 NCSAM was to look at the shared responsibility that people have when it comes to cybersecurity for the nation. Some of the main messages of the year were that we needed to improve the cybersecurity ecosystem of the nation, and that because it is so challenging, it needs to be done together rather than individually and company by company. The goal is to increase and strengthen the cybersecurity workforce in all areas of the country and to keep the most critical infrastructures safe from cyber threats.

In 2017, there were several themes that were explored throughout the month of October. The first theme was about providing simple steps for people to improve their online safety. They also covered cybersecurity in the workplace and why it is important for everyone to be involved, Internet predictions, and careers in cybersecurity.

What Is the Stop. Think. Connect Campaign…

One of the developments that came from National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the “Stop. Think. Connect.” Campaign. It is a national public awareness effort that helps to increase the understanding of cyber threats. It also helps the public to be smarter and safer when they are online.

While only a month out of the year is dedicated to cybersecurity awareness, this is something that all individuals and organizations should think about on a daily basis. The Internet can be a dangerous place, and it is becoming more dangerous by the year, so taking precautions is not just a good idea, it is a necessity.

Peter Fidler

Peter Fidler, President and founding partner of WCA Technologies, has more than 30 years of Information Technology experience working with Not-for-Profit, Legal, and Financial organizations. As a native New Yorker, Peter takes pride in solidifying and building a network of local partnerships. He currently sits on the New York City Board of the IAMCP (International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners) where he serves as President, and is a member of the Ingram SMB Alliance, and HTG Peer Group. Peter has an M.B.A. in Finance from Fordham University and B.S. in Marketing from Bentley University. When he’s not creating IT business solutions, Peter enjoys yoga, cooking, and attending Giants football games.