VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Although it is necessary for Airmen to maintain cyber security awareness year-round, October is designated for the annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month campaign, here.
National Cyber Security Awareness Month is intended to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.
“Just like the rest of society, our business has become more and more dependent on information technology,” said Lt. Col. Mathew Hyland 30th Space Communications Squadron commander. “While this has paid huge dividends in efficiency and effectiveness, it has certainly exposed us more to the new types of threats in cyberspace. As our potential adversaries have gotten more and more sophisticated in this space, it's all the more important that we be protected when we leverage this new technology.”
To take steps in the right direction, the Department of Homeland Security has designated a theme to each week of October.
The themes for the five weeks, with a brief summary are:
Week One: October 2-6 – Simple Steps to Online Safety
Everyone is responsible for the actions they take to protect themselves. This week addressed cyber security concerns and steps to take if you are affected.
Week Two: October 9-13 – Cybersecurity in the Workplace is Everyone’s Business
This week stressed that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Several resources from this week are available at the website listed below.
Week Three: October 16-20 –Today’s Predictions for Tomorrow’s Internet
Week three reminds citizens that personal information is the backbone of technology, and steps you can take to further understand the internets capabilities.
Week Four: October 23-27 –The Internet Wants YOU: Consider a Career in Cybersecurity
Week four encourages students and other job seekers to explore cybersecurity careers. Key influences are targeted to learn about this growing field and how to engage the youth in pursuing these cybersecurity careers.
Week Five: October 30-31 – Protecting Critical Infrastructure from Cyber Threats
The final week of NCSAM transitions from cybersecurity to Novembers Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month by highlighting the tie between cybersecurity and our nation’s infrastructure.
For further information, resources, and fact sheets on this year’s themes, please visit:
https://www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month