October Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Starts: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 12:00 AM
Ends: Friday, November 1, 2024 12:00 AM
Cybersecurity Awareness Month

About Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, time dedicated for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.

Over the years it has grown into a collaborative effort between government and industry to enhance cybersecurity awareness, encourage actions by the public to reduce online risk, and generate discussion on cyber threats on a national and global scale. October 2024 marks the 21st Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Between the strong passwords entered, 6-digit pins texted to our phones, and fingerprints scanned, cybersecurity is a constant part of our everyday lives. When done right, these everyday practices greatly improve our online safety and give us the peace of mind that our data, finances, organizations, and families are protected.

Fast Facts:

  • 84% of people considered online safety a priority
  • Only 38% of people use unique passwords for all their accounts
  • About a third of respondents began using a password manager after receiving cyber training
  • 79% of respondents were familiar with multifactor authentication.
  • 70% of those who have heard of MFA security measure know how to use it
  • Only 36% of people always install software updates when they become available
  • 69% of people express confidence in their ability to identify phishing attempts
  • 51% of Americans actively report cybercrimes, particularly instances of phishing.

"Secure Our World"

Starting in 2023 with the launch of CISA’s cybersecurity awareness program, Secure Our World is the enduring Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme. This theme recognizes the importance of taking daily action to reduce risks when online and using connected to devices. Organizations can use the Secure Our World theme when planning for this and future Cybersecurity Awareness Month campaigns. 

Below you will find free resources to support Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities. In addition, we have outlined the simple actions we can all take not only during October, but every day throughout the year to stay safe online.

Secure Our World Family - Use Strong Passwords

Use Strong Passwords

Woman On Computer - October Cybersecurity Awareness - Turn On MFA

Turn On MFA

Cybersecurity Awareness - Boy and Lady On Computer - Recognize and Report Phishing

Recognize Phishing

Cybersecurity Awareness Month - Daughter and Father - Update Software

Update Software

Strong passwords are long, random, and unique and include all four-character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols). Password managers are a powerful tool to help you create strong passwords for each of your accounts.

Secure-Our-World-Passwords-Tip-Sheet

You need more than a password to protect your online accounts; enabling MFA makes you significantly less likely to get hacked. Enable MFA on all your online accounts that offer it, especially email, social media, & financial accounts.

Secure-Our-World-MFA-Tip-Sheet

Be cautious of unsolicited messages asking for personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive information or credentials with unknown sources. Report phishing attempts and delete the message.

Secure-Our-World-Phishing-Tip-Sheet

Ensuring your software is up to date is the best way to make sure you have the latest security patches and updates on your devices. Regularly check for updates if automatic updates are unavailable.

Secure-Our-World-Software-Updates-Tip-Sheet

 

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