Cybersecurity awareness month was launched in 2004 by the National Cybersecurity Alliance and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Since then, it has grown into a global campaign that involves various stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as individuals and communities. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is the lead federal agency for cybersecurity awareness month in the U.S., and it partners with the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) to create resources and messaging for organizations and individuals.
Cybersecurity awareness month is celebrated every October and this year, 2023, marks the 20th anniversary. This year’s theme, Secure Our World, reflects the idea that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and that everyone has a role to play in keeping themselves and others safe online. It also encourages you to take action every day to protect your online accounts and devices, by following four simple steps:
- Use strong passwords and a password manager
- Turn on multifactor authentication
- Recognize and report phishing
- Update software
Cybersecurity awareness month is a great opportunity to learn more about digital security and how to protect yourself online. By following the four steps of Secure Our World, you can make a positive impact on your own security and the security of others. If you’re not confident in your security posture within Microsoft 365, reach out to us for assistance. Remember, cybersecurity is not only for October, but for every day of the year.