By Kay Sikes, Identity and Access Management Specialist
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is just around the corner! Each October, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA) join forces to educate businesses, consumers and students on how to stay safe and secure online.
And today, cybersecurity is playing an even more pivotal role within the new remote workforce.
This year, as NCSAM turns 17, the overarching theme exhorts consumers to: “Do Your Part, Be Cyber Smart.” The campaign dives into the importance of keeping connected devices safe and secure from outside influence. Connected devices are now an integral part of how people communicate and access services essential to their wellbeing. Data collected from these devices can detail highly specific information about a person or business, which can be exploited by bad actors for their personal gain. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to shed light on these security vulnerabilities, while offering guidance on simple security measures that can limit susceptibility to threats for commonly used devices.
The NCSAM’s main areas of focus are:
- General security hygiene for connected devices and home networks
- The importance of connected devices' security for remote workers
- How connected devices play a pivotal role in the future of healthcare
- The future of connected devices for consumers, professionals and the public domain
The target on the back of financial institutions has grown over the last few months as credit union employees continue to work from home, not to mention that many banking services are offered digitally these days.
It has become increasingly important for credit unions to strengthen their cybersecurity hygiene at a time when they’re more vulnerable to cyberattacks. What can be done to help keep members and employees “cyber safe”?
If everyone does their part – implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating vulnerable audiences and training employees – our interconnected world will be safer and more resilient for everyone.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to build momentum and impact, with the ultimate goal of providing information people need to stay safe and secure online. As an NCSAM Champion, Catalyst Corporate is proud to support this far-reaching online safety awareness and education initiative.
Throughout October, organizations – including Catalyst Corporate – find creative ways to engage and educate employees about cybersecurity.
Some of Catalyst Corporate’s activities include:
- Intranet site used to distribute NCSAM’s weekly theme, cybersecurity tips and related activities
- Messages reinforced by security-related video clips
- “Black Hat,” "Gray Hat" and “White Hat” team challenges to promote understanding of an attacker’s strategies and a defender’s tools for detecting, documenting and countering threats of unauthorized access.
To become a Champion for and to participate in NCSAM initiatives, visit the National Cybersecurity Alliance here.