October marks the sixth annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security. The theme for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2009 is “Our Shared Responsibility” to reinforce the message that all computer users, not just industry and government, have a responsibility to practice good “cyber hygiene” and to protect themselves and their families at home, at work and at school.

Americans can follow a few simple steps to keep themselves safe online. By doing so, you will not only keep your personal assets and information secure but you will also help to improve the overall security of cyberspace.

It is Our Shared Responsibility to stay safe online.

How You Can Contribute to Cybersecurity Awareness

Here are a few steps that you can take to not only participate in National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but also enhance cybersecurity 365 days a year:

Take Action - There are many things businesses, schools, and home users can do to practice cybersecurity during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond.

• Make sure that you have anti-virus software and firewalls installed, properly configured, and up-to-date. New threats are discovered every day, and keeping your software updated is one of the easier ways to protect yourself from an attack. Set your computer to automatically update for you.
• Update your operating system and critical program software. Software updates offer the latest protection against malicious activities. Turn on automatic updating if that feature is available.
• Back up key files. If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc and store it in a safe place.

Endorse - Demonstrate your commitment to cybersecurity.

• Show your organization's commitment to cybersecurity and National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by signing the online endorsement form at www.staysafeonline.org.
• Create a section for cybersecurity on your organization's Web site. Download banners at www.staysafeonline.org and post them on your organization's home page.
• Add a signature block to your e-mail:
  "October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Stay Safe Online! Visit http://www.staysafeonline.org for the latest cybersecurity tips."

Educate - Find out what more you can do to secure cyberspace and how you can share this with others.

• Participate in the National Cyber Security Alliance Cyber Security Awareness Volunteer Education (C-SAVE) Program and help educate elementary, middle, and high-school students about Internet safety and security. For more information or to download the C-Save curriculum, visit www.staysafeonline.org/content/c-save.
• Review cybersecurity tips with your family.
• Print and post these cybersecurity tips near your computer and network printers.
• Use regular communications in your business—newsletters, e-mail alerts, Web sites, etc.—to increase awareness on issues like updating software processes, protecting personal identifiable information, and securing your wireless network.

For more information on Awareness Month and for additional material, please visit www.us-cert.gov and www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam.

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Cybersecurity Awareness Events 2009

The Department has arranged a host of activities and events to inform the public about cybersecurity issues and educate Americans, public- and private-sector partners, and the international community about cyber threats and cyber health. Other organizations plan to use the month for outreach as well. Below are some of the events we will participate in throughout the month, as well as a link to additional activities taking place throughout the country to highlight the importance of protecting yourself, your family, and your personal information online.

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month events include:

• October 1–National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Kick-Off Event at the Reagan Building in Washington, D.C.
• October 8–National Satellite Media Tour with Department and National Cyber Security Alliance officials
• October 13–Cyber Security West 2009 in Sacramento, Calif.
• October 30–U.S. Chamber of Commerce Awareness Month Event in Washington, D.C.
• For a full listing, including events you can attend, visit http://www.staysafeonline.info/content/events

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Cybersecurity Resources

The Department partners with a number of cybersecurity organizations throughout the year to educate all citizens on the importance of implementing effective cybersecurity practices. These partnerships also make National Cybersecurity Awareness Month possible by uniting public and private sector efforts to secure cyberspace. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month materials and resources can be found at the following sites:

• The National Cyber Security Division outlines the Department's strategic national cybersecurity objectives.
• The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) offers safety tips, incident reports, and the latest cyber alerts.
• The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is a collaborative effort among experts in the security, non-profit, academic, and government fields to teach consumers, small businesses, and members of the education community about Internet security by providing free tips, checklists, and best practices for remaining safe while online.
• The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) comprises members of all 50 states, local governments, and U.S. territories and districts, and provides downloadable awareness materials including newsletters, posters, bookmarks, and briefings.
• The Federal Trade Commission's OnGuard Online Web site provides practical tips and downloadable print and Web materials about how to avoid Internet fraud and how to protect personal information.

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