October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Held every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our nation and to ensure all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online. If you'd like to learn more, just keep scrolling. We've included some helpful information and resources below. You can also visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month or staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/ for more resources.

Photo by Marta Branco from Pexels
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels

"See Yourself in Cyber"

Importance of Cyber Security

“We live in a world of unprecedented connectedness. Every year we see more everyday devices connected to the Internet. At the same time, nearly every part of our lives are tracked electronically. This includes all of our health records, financial information, power consumption, what we wear, when we get home, where we travel and when etc. With the right data, machines can build profiles that understand us better than we understand ourselves.”

Josh Feinblum, former CSO at DigitalOcean*

© 2020, Learn to Code With Me. All rights reserved. Originally published at learntocodewith.me”

Tips to stay safe online:

  • Keep software up-to-date.
  • Use a commercial anti-virus on your phone and computer.
  • Check all email address and URL's for legitimacy.
  • Do NOT click on links in unexpected email or texts. Especially those who urge time constraints.
  • Do NOT open attachments in email from unexpected users.
  • Check all bank and credit card accounts on a monthly bases.
  • Always use a Virtual Protection Network(VPN) on public or untrusted WIFI.
  • Use multi-factor authorization when possible.
  • Use strong and different passwords on accounts.
    • Passwords should be at least 8 characters consisting of :
      • upper and lower case letters
      • at least 1 number
      • at least 1 special character
    • Use a password manager to help keep track of passwords.
    • Change passwords every few months.
  • Back up all important information daily.

Ways to get involved:

  • Follow National Cyber Security Alliance.
  • Spread awareness by blogging/ posting tips and security news.
  • Become a Cyber Security Awareness Champion
  • Host training events for students and co-workers.
    • Mock phishing games
  • Talk to your family about staying safe online.
Report Cyber Security Crimes:
Helpful Links: