National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. This annual initiative sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is designed to educate the public and raise awareness about cybersecurity and increase the resiliency of the nation for cyber incidents.

Whether we use the Internet at home, work or school, there is a risk of abuse, fraud or identity theft. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility in which we all have a role. DHS has developed a series of events and activities to engage the public on this important topic.

Participating in National Cyber Security Awareness Month is easy. Here are some things you can do to stay safe:

• Set strong passwords and don’t share them with anyone;
• Keep your operating system, browser and other critical software optimized by installing updates;
• Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends and community about Internet safety; and
• Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.

For resources you can use or share throughout the year, download the DHSStop.Think.Connect.  Toolkit. If you have a Twitter account, join Stop.Think.Connect. for a series of weekly Twitter Chats throughout the month of October. Use the hashtag #ChatSTC to follow along.

Thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for this information.