Cybersecurity Awareness Month occurs every October and is a collaboration between the government and private industry to raise awareness about digital security and empower everyone to protect their personal data from digital forms of crime.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an international initiative that highlights actions everyone can take to stay safe online. Even amidst large-scale data breaches and cyberattacks, Cybersecurity Awareness Month reminds everyone that there are simple, effective ways to stay safe online, protect personal data, and ultimately help Secure Our World.

The theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 is “Secure Our World”. Secure Our World empowers everyone to understand the simple ways to protect yourself, your family and your business from online threats. We’re increasingly connected through digital tools and more of our sensitive information is online. This convenience comes with risks. Each of us has a part to play in keeping ourselves and others safe. It’s easy to do and takes less time than you think.

Between the strong passwords entered, 6-digit pins texted to our phones, and fingerprints scanned, cybersecurity is a constant part of our everyday lives. When done right, these everyday practices greatly improve our online safety and give us the peace of mind that our data, finances, organizations, and families are protected.

While we've seen incredible advancements in technology, like AI, the tried-and-true cyber basics still apply and are greatly effective at keeping you safe. This is why we continue to highlight the four simple ways to stay safe online during Cybersecurity Awareness Month:

• Turn on multi-factor authentication
• Use strong passwords and a password manager
• Update Your software
• Recognize and report phishing

Fun Facts

According to the National Cybersecurity Alliance 2023 Oh Behave! report:

• 84% of people considered online safety a priority
• Only 38% of people use unique passwords for all their accounts
• About a third of respondents began using a password manager after receiving cyber training
• 79% of respondents were familiar with multifactor authentication
• 70% of those who have heard of MFA security measure know how to use it
• Only 36% of people always install software updates when they become available
• 69% of people express confidence in their ability to identify phishing attempts
• 51% of Americans actively report cybercrimes, particularly instances of phishing

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a time to work together to protect each other. One of the best ways to get involved is to join the conversation on social media by sharing safety tips and resources that highlight the steps your organization is taking to educate employees, customers, or even families and friends, on how to stay safe online, using the hashtags:

#CybersecurityAwarenessMonth

#SecureOurWorld