October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM).

Cyberattacks pose a significant threat to our critical infrastructure and national security. Our Nation’s critical infrastructure systems—including transportation, communication, and power grids—all rely heavily on online networks that are vulnerable to cyber threats. Many of the defenses critical infrastructure owners and operators use to protect their systems are outdated or ineffective, making it imperative that we prioritize improving the resiliency of our essential systems. Throughout NCSAM in October and into Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month in November, DHS is committed to raising awareness for the importance of strengthening our Nation’s critical infrastructure from cyberattacks. 

Get Involved
As a partner in the critical infrastructure community, you play an important role in National Cyber Security Awareness Month. October may already be here, but it’s not too late to get involved in the effort. Here are five ways you can play a role in NCSAM:

• Join the NCSAM Week 5 #ChatSTC Twitter Chat, “Building Resilience in Critical Infrastructure,” for a conversation about the importance of protecting and securing our Nation’s critical infrastructure from cyberattacks on Thursday, November 3, 2016, at 3 p.m. EDT.
• Share Stop.Think.Connect. and NCSAM cyber resources and materials with your stakeholders during October and throughout the year. Consider what you can share with others at work, at home, and in your communities. Download materials at the Stop.Think.Connect. webpage.
• Use the NCSAM hashtag #CyberAware in your social media posts to promote cybersecurity awareness and to engage in larger online conversations during the month.
• Become a Friend of the Campaign and encourage others to join as well so you can receive communications on resources available to you, your friends, and your family regarding cyber awareness.
• Promote NCSAM in any speaking engagements you have throughout October.

Attend a NCSAM Event
Another great way to get involved is by attending an NCSAM event in October. To engage Americans across the country, each week in NCSAM is dedicated to a specific cyber topic and will included a keystone event focusing on the weekly theme and message. We encourage you to attend any of the keystone events in your area. To view NCSAM events hosted by organizations across the country, please visit the events website.

For more information on National Cyber Security Awareness Month, contact the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign atstopthinkconnect@dhs.gov or visit the NCASM website for additional ways to get involved.