WASHINGTON, D.C., Oct. 30, 2018 ‒ For the first time ever, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) will shine a spotlight on organizations that exemplify excellence in cybersecurity by granting awards in three categories –cyber safety in the workplace, cybersecurity in the community and workforce development.  Dozens of organizations from industry, government and nonprofits submitted nominations showcasing their outstanding initiatives. The National Cyber Security Alliance is grateful to announce the recipients of the inaugural NCSA Awards.

The awards were presented to the following winners earlier this afternoon:

• Cyber Safe Workplace Award to Cisco

• Cyber Secure Community Award to the NYS Office of Information Technology Services, CISO

• Breaking Boundaries in Workforce Award to the Raytheon Company

“It is very timely to present the NCSA Awards at the close of the 15th annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. These awards recognize excellence in digital safety and the timing could not be more appropriate to honor those companies who have gone above and beyond the norm in helping to keep not only their workplaces but everyone safer and more secure,” said Russ Schrader, executive director of NCSA. “Cisco, the NYS Chief Information Security Office, CISO and Raytheon have made tremendous investments, and we are thrilled to bring greater awareness and recognition to their commitment to cybersecurity.”

Cyber Safe Workplace Award

Implementing and encouraging all employees to practice cyber safety is fundamental to helping an organization be safer and more secure. Cisco has made extraordinary efforts in developing workforce commitment and engagement – from the break room to the board room ‒ and continually fostering a culture of cybersecurity. Cisco was selected based on its outstanding commitment to implementing and encouraging all employees to practice cyber safety and for fostering a culture of cybersecurity in the workplace.

Cyber Secure Community Award

Protecting the internet and practicing good cybersecurity is “Our Shared Responsibility.” The NYS Office of Information Technology Services, CISO has gone beyond the borders of its own organization to make a positive impact in the community at large. With creative, year-round programs, New York State works continuously to generate a high level of cybersecurity awareness by reminding every citizen and employee that they have a responsibility to be cyber aware both at home and at work.

Breaking Boundaries in Workforce Award

With a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals to safeguard our ever-expanding internet ecosystem, limitless opportunities exist for expanding the cyber workforce. The Raytheon Company has made a powerful impact in developing the cybersecurity workforce by inspiring and engaging individuals from different backgrounds to consider careers in cybersecurity. Working with youth groups and women’s organizations, college-aged students and the military, Raytheon has shaped skills and prepared individuals of all ages to help close the cyber workforce gap.

About National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online. Now in its 15th year, NCSAM is co-led by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, the nation’s leading nonprofit public-private partnership promoting the safe and secure use of the internet and digital privacy. Recognized annually in October, NCSAM involves the participation of a multitude of industry leaders ‒ mobilizing individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, academia, multinational corporations and governments. Encouraging digital citizens around the globe to STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ NCSAM is harnessing the collective impact of its programs and resources to increase awareness about today’s ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Visit the NCSAM media room: stagestaysafe.wpengine.com/about-us/news/media-room/.

About the National Cyber Security Alliance  

NCSA is the nation’s leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. NCSA works with a broad array of stakeholders in government, industry and civil society. NCSA’s primary partners are DHS and NCSA’s Board of Directors, which includes representatives from ADP; AT&T Services Inc.; Bank of America; CDK Global, LLC; CertNexus; Cisco; Cofense; Comcast Corporation; ESET North America; Facebook; Google; Intel Corporation; Marriott International; Mastercard; Microsoft Corporation; Mimecast; NXP Semiconductors; Raytheon; Salesforce; Symantec Corporation; Visa and Wells Fargo. NCSA’s core efforts include National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October); Data Privacy Day (Jan. 28); STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™, the global online safety awareness and education campaign co-founded by NCSA and the Anti-Phishing Working Group with federal government leadership from DHS; and CyberSecure My Business™, which offers webinars, web resources and workshops to help businesses be resistant to and resilient from cyberattacks. For more information on NCSA, please visit stagestaysafe.wpengine.com/about-us/overview/.

Media Contacts
Jessica Beffa
720-413-4938
ncsa@thatcherandco.com