by Kay Sikes, Identity and Access Management Specialist
October is synonymous with various awareness initiatives, including National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). NCSAM is held throughout the month of October as a collaborative effort between government and industry to draw attention to the importance of cybersecurity, and to encourage Americans to engage in safer and more secure online practices.
This year, as NCSAM turns 16, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance’s (NCSA) campaign has shifted its strategic focus to a message that promotes personal accountability: “Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.” This year’s new theme will help encourage proactive behavior in digital privacy, security best practices, common cyber threats and cybersecurity careers.
What is Cybersecurity and Why is it Important?
The U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology defines cybersecurity as “the protection of information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification or destruction in order to provide confidentiality, integrity and availability.”
According to Minutehack.com, the internet – and its profound ability to change the world – presents a considerable threat to the businesses that have come to rely on it. Cyberattacks and data breaches are growing in prominence every day, making cybersecurity awareness important to all companies, but especially those that handle sensitive data, such as payment information. Now more than ever, cybersecurity awareness plays an integral role in managing a credit union’s internal and external risk. And, its importance is only on the rise. For example, recent cybersecurity data revealed the following trends:
- Increased number of cyber threats – The IT Governance Review Report states that there were more than 17.7 billion data breaches and cyberattacks in January 2019 alone.
- Increased severity of cyberattacks – With each passing day, attacks are becoming progressively more destructive and targeting a widening array of data and attack vectors.
- Increased cost of data breaches – Recent projections from Juniper Research indicate that data breach costs are expected to exceed $2 billion this year.
- Increased regulations – Because of the reputational and financial damage that can result from unfamiliarity with cybersecurity laws, it is vital to integrate a compliance plan. Once you set a compliance plan, it is vital that you make cybersecurity an ongoing priority.
What Can We Do to Generate Awareness?
Throughout the month of October, hundreds of organizations across the U.S. including Catalyst Corporate (a NCSAM-registered Champion and STOP.THINK.CONNECT. Partner), will implement creative ways to educate employees about cybersecurity policies and procedures. You, too, can share the importance of cybersecurity awareness with your credit union staff by incorporating some of the fun and engaging ideas provided in the "Stop. Think. Connect." and NCSAM toolkits.
Need more inspiration? The NCSAM campaign suggests focusing your efforts around this year’s theme for the greatest impact.
Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.
Own IT. Understand your digital profile.
Secure IT. Secure your digital profile.
Protect IT. Maintain your digital profile.
Over the last four years, Catalyst Corporate has proudly participated in NCSAM in a variety of fun and educational ways. This year’s activities include:
- Company-wide email distribution of NCSAM’s weekly theme, cybersecurity tip and related activity.
- Signage messaging reinforced by lobby marquee, posters, memes and security-related video clips.
- Red Team and Blue Team security awareness activities that promote an understanding of an attacker’s strategies and the defender’s tools for detecting, documenting and countering threats of unauthorized access.
For even more information about the NCSAM campaign, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA).