October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM).  Now in its 17th year, NCSAM continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our Nation, ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online.

Cyberspace and its underlying infrastructure are vulnerable to a wide range of risks stemming from both physical and cyber threats and hazards. Sophisticated cyber actors and nation-states exploit vulnerabilities to steal information and money and are developing capabilities to disrupt, destroy, or threaten the delivery of essential services. Cyberspace is particularly difficult to secure due to a number of factors: the ability of malicious actors to operate from anywhere in the world, the linkages between cyberspace and physical systems, and the difficulty of reducing vulnerabilities and consequences in complex cyber networks. Of growing concern is the cyber threat to critical infrastructure, which is increasingly subject to sophisticated cyber intrusions that pose new risks. As information technology becomes increasingly integrated with physical infrastructure operations, there is increased risk for wide scale or high-consequence events that could cause harm or disrupt services upon which our economy and the daily lives of millions of Americans depend. In light of the risk and potential consequences of cyber events, strengthening the security and resilience of cyberspace has become an important homeland security mission.

The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) are proud to announce this year’s theme:

“Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.”

This theme encourages individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity.

NCSAM emphasizes “If You Connect It, Protect It.” Throughout October, CISA and NCSA will focus on the following areas in our promotions and outreach:

• October 1 and 2: Official NCSAM Kick-off
• Week of October 5 (Week 1): If You Connect It, Protect It
• Week of October 12 (Week 2): Securing Devices at Home and Work
• Week of October 19 (Week 3): Securing Internet-Connected Devices in Healthcare
• Week of October 26 (Week 4): The Future of Connected Devices

More resources and CISA’s NCSAM 2020 Presentation can help explain basic cybersecurity best practices and teach you how to be more safe and secure online.