Local Law Enforcement

As a law enforcement leader, it’s critically important for you to stay current with the risks of online activity, and to educate your community about maintaining cybersecurity and responding to cybercrime.

A great place to start is by participating in National Cyber Security Awareness Month, held in October 2012. Whether you have just one hour to devote to this nationwide observance or decide to make a larger time commitment, you’ll be sure to find at least one activity from the list below that can make a big difference!

What You Can Do…

in less than One Hour:

• Email the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) poster and/or STOP.THINK.CONNECT awareness posters to all precincts and police stations requesting that the posters be displayed beginning October 1, 2012 to help promote the month and cybersecurity. (Download the NCSAM poster at http://www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam/promote-ncsam; find the awareness posters at http://stopthinkconnect.org/campaigns/details/?id=76.)

• Email the “Victims of CybercrimeTip Sheet,” to all precincts and police stations. The tip sheet, developed by the National Cyber Security Alliance in cooperation with the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Sheriff’s Association, can be offered as a resource to victims who report cybercrime to your agency. (Find the tip sheet at: http://www.staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/protect-your-personal-information/id-theft-and-fraud)

…in less than One Day:

• Ask your department’s community affairs officer to look into creating a team of agency volunteers (officers and civilians) to volunteer at your local schools with the C-SAVE Program of the National Cyber Security Alliance. It’s easy, age appropriate, and a fun way to educate kids about online safety. (For more information, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org/teach-online-safety/.) 

• Send an agency-wide email out to all department personnel with information about National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Ask your agency officers to devote five minutes of one roll call during October 2012 to review the “Victims of CybercrimeTip Sheet,” and discuss how to effectively respond to victims of cybercrime. (Find the tip sheet at: http://www.staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/protect-your-personal-information/id-theft-and-fraud)

…in less than One Week:

• Launch an agency-wide awareness campaign, by (1) using your social media vehicles (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, YouTube accounts) to promote National Cyber Security Awareness Month, (2) posting  information and banners on your agency’s website, and (3) becoming a NSCAM Champion (find application and more information at http://www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam/champions), and (4) encouraging your entire law enforcement community to “like” the National Cyber Security Alliance at www.facebook.com/staysafeonline to ensure that you get the latest NCSAM announcements and news.

• Schedule an in-service training for your department’s 911 operators to review effective responses to victims of cybercrime. 

…in less than One Month:

• Hold a “Cybersecurity Day” event with your local elected officials to proclaim October 2012 as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Invite your local media to a public proclamation signing.

• Develop a cybersecurity page on your website with detailed information about what victims of cybercrime should do and basic safety and security tips using STOP. THINK. CONNECT. resources. (Find at http://www.staysafeonline.org/stop-think-connect/tips-and-advice)  Be specific about what your agency can (and can’t) do, and for those situations in which your department doesn’t have jurisdiction, provide referral information (e.g., the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team; the Federal Trade Commission; your State Attorney General; the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center; Anti-Phishing Working Group; Better Business Bureau; and U.S. Department of Justice.

…All Year Round:

• Incorporate a community-wide cybersecurity initiative into your community policing efforts. Announce the initiative on your department’s website, and provide regular updates about the new program at precinct community council meetings. (For more information, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org/teach-online-safety/in-the-community/)

• Work with your IT personnel to ensure that your agency is following cybersecurity best practices. For example, review and update your department’s computer “acceptable use policies” consistent with current online technologies and adopt a policy regarding department online data losses or breaches. (For resources, visit http://www.staysafeonline.org/business-safe-online/implement-a-cybersecurity-plan/)