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October is Cybersecurity
Awareness Month
Are You Prepared?

October is Cybersecurity
Awareness Month
Are You Prepared?

Cybersecurity Awareness Month October 2024

The most effective way to raise awareness about cybersecurity is by encouraging more organizations to get involved—yours included! Every year, Protected Harbor selects a specific theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month to promote during Cybersecurity Month. You can opt to use resources that align with the annual theme or take advantage of our general National Cybersecurity Awareness Month materials. Regardless of your choice, these tools make it easier for you to participate. Demonstrate to your audience that you prioritize their online safety by utilizing our Cybersecurity Awareness Month resources.

Take part in Online Safety Month and help raise awareness with cybersecurity tips that resonate with your community.

Cybersecurity Awareness

Cybersecurity Awareness Month October 2024

The most effective way to raise awareness about cybersecurity is by encouraging more organizations to get involved—yours included! Every year, Protected Harbor selects a specific theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month to promote during Cybersecurity Month. You can opt to use resources that align with the annual

Cybersecurity Awareness

theme or take advantage of our general National Cybersecurity Awareness Month materials. Regardless of your choice, these tools make it easier for you to participate. Demonstrate to your audience that you prioritize their online safety by utilizing our Cybersecurity Awareness Month resources.

Take part in Online Safety Month and help raise awareness with cybersecurity tips that resonate with your community.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month Resources

Each year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides updated information and resources to educate users on current and emerging threats. Many of these resources are evergreen, offering useful guidance that can be implemented year-round by employees, families, and businesses.

The mantra of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is: “If you connect it, protect it.” Any device connected to the internet—whether a mobile phone or an IoT device—needs to be protected from attackers, as even seemingly harmless devices can become vulnerable entry points.

Here are some valuable resources for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024:

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Get Ready for Week 4!

We’ve got something special lined up for you next week. Make sure to check back!

Cybersecurity Awareness Month Resources

Each year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides updated information and resources to educate users on current and emerging threats. Many of these resources are evergreen, offering useful guidance that can be implemented year-round by employees, families, and businesses.

The mantra of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is: “If you connect it, protect it.” Any device connected to the internet—whether a mobile phone or an IoT device—needs to be protected from attackers, as even seemingly harmless devices can become vulnerable entry points.

Here are some valuable resources for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024:

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Get Ready for Week 4!

We’ve got something special lined up for you next week. Make sure to check back!
On this page

Introduction to Cybersecurity Month 2024

The best way to raise awareness about cyber security is to have more organizations
involved – including yours!
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a public awareness campaign aimed at educating individuals and organizations about cybersecurity threats & best practices.
NCSAM's growth story
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially focused on raising awareness among individuals, the campaign has expanded to include organizations of all sizes.
Essential Security Awareness Now
Security Awareness Training is crucial as cyber threats become more sophisticated, and risks like phishing and data breaches rise with increased remote work and digital collaboration.
Essential for Risk Mitigation
Security awareness is vital for protecting organizations against cyber threats. Educating employees to identify and prevent risks like phishing, malware, and social engineering helps reduce risks.
Cybersecurity Resource kit
Cybersecurity Awareness Month offers a wealth of resources designed to educate individuals and organizations about best practices for staying safe online. It's a great chance to expand your cybersecurity expertise.
On this page

Introduction to Cybersecurity Month 2024

The best way to raise awareness about cyber security is to have more organizations
involved – including yours!
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a public awareness campaign aimed at educating individuals and organizations about cybersecurity threats and best practices.
NCSAM's growth story
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially focused on raising awareness among individuals, the campaign has expanded to include organizations of all sizes.
Essential Security Awareness Now
Security Awareness Training is crucial as cyber threats become more sophisticated, and risks like phishing and data breaches rise with increased remote work and digital collaboration.
Cybersecurity Resource Toolkit
Cybersecurity Awareness Month offers a wealth of free tools and resources designed to educate individuals and organizations about best practices for staying safe online.
Essential for Risk Mitigation
Security awareness is vital for protecting organizations against cyber threats. By educating employees to identify and prevent risks like phishing, malware, and social engineering, companies can reduce risks.
On this page

Introduction to Cybersecurity Month 2024

The best way to raise awareness about cyber security is to have more organizations
involved – including yours!
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a public awareness campaign aimed at educating individuals and organizations about cybersecurity threats and best practices.
NCSAM's growth story
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially focused on raising awareness among individuals, the campaign has expanded to include organizations of all sizes.
Essential Security Awareness Now
Security Awareness Training is crucial as cyber threats become more sophisticated, and risks like phishing and data breaches rise with increased remote work and digital collaboration.
Essential for Risk Mitigation
Security awareness is vital for protecting organizations against cyber threats. By educating employees to identify and prevent risks like phishing, malware, and social engineering, companies can reduce risks.
Cybersecurity Resource Toolkit
Cybersecurity Awareness Month offers a wealth of resources designed to educate individuals and organizations about best practices for staying safe online.

Want to stay safe online? Join us for Cybersecurity Month!

Join us for Cybersecurity Month and learn how to protect yourself from online threats. We’ll provide valuable tips, resources, and expert advice to help you stay safe in the digital world. Together, we can build a stronger and more secure online community.

What Is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month?

Since 2004, government and private organizations have united to raise awareness about cybersecurity and data privacy. As more businesses transition to cloud environments, cyber threats are increasingly targeting individuals rather than infrastructure, creating a broader attack surface for cybercriminals. Their goal? To steal data, account passwords, and even money from unsuspecting victims who are not trained to recognize these dangers.

One of the most effective ways to combat these cyber threats is through education. By raising cybersecurity awareness and teaching individuals how to identify, reject, and report threats, organizations can better protect their employees and safeguard sensitive information.

cybersecurity vs data privacy

Each October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on educating the public and businesses about the importance of cybersecurity, helping to promote a safer digital environment for all.

This year’s Cyber Awareness Month theme is Generation Cyber Safe: Because online security knows no age. During Cybersecurity Month, we celebrate the strengths each generation brings to staying safe online and share valuable cybersecurity tips and cybersecurity resources to help everyone—from individuals to small businesses and healthcare providers—stay secure. You can either embrace the 2024 theme or use generic resources for Cyber Awareness 2024, making participation easier than ever.

What Is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month?

Since 2004, government and private organizations have united to raise awareness about cybersecurity and data privacy. As more businesses transition to cloud environments, cyber threats are increasingly targeting individuals rather than infrastructure, creating a broader attack surface for cybercriminals.

cybersecurity vs data privacy

Their goal? To steal data, account passwords, and even money from unsuspecting victims who are not trained to recognize these dangers.

One of the most effective ways to combat these cyber threats is through education. By raising cybersecurity awareness and teaching individuals how to identify, reject, and report threats, organizations can better protect their employees and safeguard sensitive information.

Each October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on educating the public and businesses about the importance of cybersecurity, helping to promote a safer digital environment for all.

This year’s Cyber Awareness Month theme is Generation Cyber Safe: Because online security knows no age. During Cybersecurity Month, we celebrate the strengths each generation brings to staying safe online and share valuable cybersecurity tips and cybersecurity resources to help everyone—from individuals to small businesses and healthcare providers—stay secure. You can either embrace the 2024 theme or use generic resources for Cyber Awareness 2024, making participation easier than ever.

The Evolution of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Over the years, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) has evolved to reflect the rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape. What once focused on basic digital threats has expanded to address modern dangers, like darknet markets and sophisticated attack methods.

For instance, in the early 2000s, darknet markets were not a significant concern. Today, they have become a central focus for cybercriminals seeking to sell stolen financial and personal data. As attackers’ tactics and tools evolve, cybersecurity experts must continuously update their education efforts to keep users informed.

In recent years, phishing and ransomware have wreaked havoc on businesses and individuals. Over 90% of successful cyber-attacks originate from phishing emails, which can lead to devastating long-term damage.

These attacks often target enterprises’ core services and critical infrastructure, which is why National Cybersecurity Awareness Month has adapted its toolkits to address these threats. As the threat landscape evolves, NCSAM will continue updating its resources to cover emerging issues.

Some recent changes to Cybersecurity Awareness Month resources include:

  • Botnet awareness and the need to secure IoT devices from common malware.
  • Insights on the latest cybersecurity threats and strategies for businesses to enhance their cyber-hygiene.
  • Cybersecurity tips tailored for individuals, employees, businesses, and executives—all frequent targets of cyber-attacks.
  • Security awareness training programs designed to help people avoid becoming victims.
  • Guidance on creating strong, complex passwords and avoiding the reuse of default passwords across multiple accounts.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
  • Resources to assist Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in building robust digital infrastructures that block attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.
  • Best practices for protecting sensitive financial and healthcare data from breaches, including secure storage methods.
  • The use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to guard against phishing and social engineering attacks.
  • Educational materials for parents and teens on the risks posed by online predators in social media environments.
  • A basic introduction to darknet markets, the dark web, and how these platforms are used to distribute illegal content.

With the ever-increasing focus on cybersecurity for small businesses and cybersecurity for healthcare, Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to play a critical role in enhancing digital security. As part of Online Safety Month and Data Privacy Month, these resources empower everyone to protect themselves online.

The Evolution of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Over the years, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) has evolved to reflect the rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape. What once focused on basic digital threats has expanded to address modern dangers, like darknet markets and sophisticated attack methods.

For instance, in the early 2000s, darknet markets were not a significant concern. Today, they have become a central focus for cybercriminals seeking to sell stolen financial and personal data. As attackers’ tactics and tools evolve, cybersecurity experts must continuously update their education efforts to keep users informed.

In recent years, phishing and ransomware have wreaked havoc on businesses and individuals. Over 90% of successful cyber-attacks originate from phishing emails, which can lead to devastating long-term damage.

These attacks often target enterprises’ core services and critical infrastructure, which is why National Cybersecurity Awareness Month has adapted its toolkits to address these threats. As the threat landscape evolves, NCSAM will continue updating its resources to cover emerging issues.

Some recent changes to Cybersecurity Awareness Month resources include:

  • Botnet awareness and the need to secure IoT devices from common malware.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
  • Insights on the latest cybersecurity threats and strategies for businesses to enhance their cyber-hygiene.
  • Cybersecurity tips tailored for individuals, employees, businesses, and executives—all frequent targets of cyber-attacks.
  • Security awareness training programs designed to help people avoid becoming victims.
  • Guidance on creating strong, complex passwords and avoiding the reuse of default passwords across multiple accounts.
  • Resources to assist Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in building robust digital infrastructures that block attackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.
  • Best practices for protecting sensitive financial and healthcare data from breaches, including secure storage methods.
  • The use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) to guard against phishing and social engineering attacks.
  • Educational materials for parents and teens on the risks posed by online predators in social media environments.
  • A basic introduction to darknet markets, the dark web, and how these platforms are used to distribute illegal content.

With the ever-increasing focus on cybersecurity for small businesses and cybersecurity for healthcare, Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to play a critical role in enhancing digital security. As part of Online Safety Month and Data Privacy Month, these resources empower everyone to protect themselves online.

Why Security Awareness Training Is More Critical Than Ever

In today’s world, the internet is deeply intertwined with both business operations and daily life, meaning sensitive personal and business data is more exposed than ever. This makes data privacy and cybersecurity protection paramount.

  • Personal Data and Identity Theft: Many individuals have private data scattered across multiple digital platforms—whether it’s e-commerce stores, banking websites, or personal email accounts. This information is vulnerable to cybercriminals if the proper security measures aren’t in place. While consumers can’t control the security of every business website, they can take proactive steps to secure their own accounts and protect themselves from cyber threats.
  • Ransomware: This type of attack locks users out of their critical files by encrypting them, demanding a ransom for their release. Ransomware attacks have cost businesses hundreds of thousands—even millions—of dollars in ransom payments and lost productivity. Without a decryption key or backups, victims often face the difficult decision of paying the ransom or losing data forever. Ransomware has even disrupted essential services, halting operations for utilities and governments.
  • Credential Theft: Stolen credentials can lead to unauthorized access to both personal and business accounts. In an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT), cybercriminals can gain access to network resources and backend systems, installing malware and creating back doors for future attacks. With just a few stolen credentials, attackers can drain thousands or even millions from accounts in seconds.

The Importance of Security Awareness

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is dedicated to helping individuals recognize and defend against these threats. It focuses on empowering people to identify the warning signs of phishing, ransomware, and other scams, ensuring they are better prepared to protect their data.

While IT teams are typically trained in cybersecurity awareness, most end-users are not. Cybersecurity Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of educating all users—breaking down complex topics like malware, credential theft, and secure practices into digestible information. For example, regularly updating antivirus and antimalware software may seem obvious to cybersecurity professionals, but many users aren’t aware of its importance in protecting against the latest threats.

Want to stay safe online

The Importance of Security Awareness

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is dedicated to helping individuals recognize and defend against these threats. It focuses on empowering people to identify the warning signs of phishing, ransomware, and other scams, ensuring they are better prepared to protect their data.

Want to stay safe online

While IT teams are typically trained in cybersecurity awareness, most end-users are not. Cybersecurity Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of educating all users—breaking down complex topics like malware, credential theft, and secure practices into digestible information. For example, regularly updating antivirus and antimalware software may seem obvious to cybersecurity professionals, but many users aren’t aware of its importance in protecting against the latest threats.

Contact Get Cyber Safe!

We appreciate your support in advancing cyber security and keeping New Yorkers safe online! Please get in touch with us if you have any queries or worries or if you would want more details on Cyber Month or the Get Cyber Safe program.