About

Each and every one of us needs to do our part to make sure that our online lives are kept safe and secure. That’s what National Cyber Security Awareness Month—observed in October 2012—is all about!

OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Individuals, organizations, and communities throughout the United States are gearing up to promote National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) and let others know that all of us have a role in protecting our digital lives. Tens of thousands of NCSAM participants across the country will be doing their part by posting safety and security tips on social networks, educating their customers and employees, engaging in traditional media, displaying posters, posting tips, holding events, and much more.

If you are concerned about making the Internet safer and more secure for everyone, we invite you to become an active participant in National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Everyone can do something—even if you have less than one hour to devote to this effort!

Why NCSAM is So Important

We lead Web-based, digital lives. From personal computers, smartphones, and tablets, e-book readers, to working, shopping, and social networking, virtually every aspect of our lives touches the digital world. Even when we are not directly connected to the Internet, this vast worldwide connection of computers, data, and websites supports our everyday lives through financial transactions, transportation systems, healthcare records, emergency response systems, personal communications, and more.

This reliance increases as digital technology advances and high speed Internet access becomes more widespread. Yet, if we are to maximize the convenience, speed, and future potential of a digital society, we must protect the resource that makes it possible.

The Internet is a shared resource and securing it is Our Shared Responsibility, the theme for 2012 National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

No individual, business, or government entity is solely responsible for securing the Internet. Everyone has a role in securing their part of cyberspace, including the devices and networks they use. Individual actions have a collective impact and when we use the Internet safely we make it more secure for everyone. If each of us does our part—implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating young people, training employees—together we will be a more resilient and safer digital society. 

STOP. THINK. CONNECT.

Cybersecurity begins with STOP. THINK. CONNECT. These three simple are the starting point for staying safer and more secure online.

• STOP:    Before you use the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.
• THINK:  Take a moment to be certain the path ahead is clear. Watch for warning signs and consider how your online actions could impact your safety or your family’s.
• CONNECT:  Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to safeguard yourself and your computer.

Use 2012 National Cyber Security Awareness Month to begin incorporating STOP. THINK. CONNECT. into your online routine. For more ideas on promoting National Cyber Security Awareness Month, visit http://staysafeonline.org/ncsam/get-involved