Cyber Security Awareness Month: Why It Matters and How You Can Participate

Cybersecurity Awareness Month—love it or hate it, there's no denying it's like the Marmite of corporate initiatives. Every October, organizations across the globe, from the US to the UK, Canada, the EU, and beyond, rally around this cause. It's a time when cybersecurity gets the spotlight, but does it really ignite a lasting flame of awareness? 

The jury’s still out, with opinions ranging from "Oh no, not again!" to enthusiastic cheers from the champions of cyber safety.

We've heard it all. Some employees dread the annual awareness blitz, while others relish the opportunity to dive deep into the topic. But here's what we know for sure: every day should be an awareness day. While dedicating a month to cybersecurity is commendable, and for companies who do nothing else to support a digitally risk aware culture, it’s a good first step. 

But, to be honest, we feel it’s a mistake to think that one campaign in October is sufficient. True, the themes and resources can energize your workforce, but they need to be part of a broader, ongoing human risk management strategy to have any real effectiveness at all. And that’s why we are here, right? To fundamentally create happier, cyber secure humans. 

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is important, and having the support of governments and other non-government/charity based non profit type organizations helping out is fantastic. But no one really owns the center on it, and after 20 years, maybe it’s time for a refresh and a rethink of what it really should mean. Changing established practices isn't easy, but we need the courage to admit that October alone isn't enough. Let's make 2024 the best Cybersecurity Awareness Month yet, but let's also plan for a future where cybersecurity is a year-round commitment.

So, gear up for October, but remember, real change happens when awareness is woven into the fabric of your organization's culture every single day.

History and Purpose of Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM)

Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) was established in October 2004 by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to promote cybersecurity awareness. This initiative began as a collaborative effort between government and industry to provide resources that help Americans stay safe and secure online.

Initially, the campaign focused on simple, actionable steps individuals and organizations could take to protect themselves, such as updating antivirus software and using strong passwords. As cybercrime tactics evolved, the scope of Cybersecurity Awareness Month expanded significantly. Today, it addresses a wide range of cybersecurity topics, from phishing and ransomware to securing smart devices and online privacy.

Each October, a new theme is introduced, highlighting specific aspects of cybersecurity and promoting a culture of security awareness across various sectors. Through public service announcements, educational initiatives, and partnerships with private companies, Cybersecurity Awareness Month has become a crucial event in enhancing national and individual cybersecurity resilience.

The primary goal of CSAM is to raise awareness and encourage proactive measures to reduce online risks. Funded by a mix of public and private partnerships, the initiative aims to ensure everyone has the knowledge and resources to stay safe online. The NCSA, supported by major corporations such as ADP, AIG, Bank of America, Facebook, Microsoft, MasterCard, and Visa, collaborates with vendors in the cybersecurity industry to support educational and awareness programs.

Over the years, this national awareness month has grown into an international campaign involving various stakeholders, including corporations, educational institutions, and non-profits. In the UK and EU, the approach to Cybersecurity Awareness Month is similar, emphasizing the importance of raising awareness and promoting good cybersecurity practices. The European Cyber Security Month (ECSM), coordinated by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), also takes place in October and aims to increase awareness and share best practices among EU member states. While both regions share a common goal, ECSM often focuses more on themes pertinent to European digital policies and regulatory environments.

The purpose of CSAM and similar initiatives like ECSM is to foster a culture of cybersecurity, encouraging both individuals and organizations to prioritize digital safety. They highlight practical steps like using strong passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, recognizing phishing attempts, and keeping software updated, which are essential in creating a safer digital environment. Through these efforts, CSAM aims to inform and educate about the importance of cybersecurity, highlighting various threats and their impact on our digital lives.

Why Does CSAM Matter?

Cybercrime is Only Growing

Cybercriminals employ increasingly advanced methods to exploit vulnerabilities. Being aware and staying up to date are some of the best tools we can use to apply a defense against cybercrime. Do all your employees know how important it is to be risk-aware in the digital sphere? Starting with Cybercrime as a topic, or finding new ways to engage is paramount.

Start here with our 9 ideas blog!

Employee Engagement

Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM) is your golden opportunity to truly engage your employees in security awareness. Sure, employees are in some cases a ‘first line of defense’, but droning on about policies for a month isn’t exactly the way to win hearts and minds. To make a real impact, you need to make it personal and fun.

Forget the generic whiteboard clipart and forced training sessions masquerading as 'fun.' Instead, hit them with exciting, useful tools and curated content that matters. Think about the topics that resonate with your team, and get creative with how you present them. One newsletter doesn’t make an effective October, so arm yourself with a mix of content, contests, news, and activities tailored to your organization's unique needs.

When you bring in personal topics and a touch of creativity, you turn a mundane task into something engaging and valuable. Whether it’s interactive quizzes, cyber-themed games, or relevant stories from the front lines, make sure your initiatives are something employees look forward to. This way, you’re not just cutting through the noise; you’re embedding a culture of security that lasts beyond October.

Hitting Home with Best Practices 

Building out campaigns will help solidify a desire for online safety and security. This includes (but not limited to):

-Developing great password habits

-Understanding and adapting to MFA/2FA’s importance on any device.

-Recognizing and reporting those pesky phishing attempts

-Securing personal and professional data.

Strong Digital Presence Lockdown

By providing resources and tools, Cyber Security Awareness Month empowers users to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their organizations from cyber threats while feeling digitally safe.

For Individuals:

Check out Webinars and Workshops: Many organizations offer free webinars and workshops during CSAM. These sessions cover various topics, from basic cybersecurity practices to advanced threat detection. Think of it as extra credit!

Keep Up With Cyber Practices: Keep it simple: update your software regularly, use strong and unique passwords, and be cautious about sharing personal information online

Stay in the Latest Security Zeitgeist: Follow cybersecurity news and updates from trusted sources. Staying informed about the latest threats and trends can help you stay informed and understand the practices that need to occur.

For Organizations:

Host Training Sessions 

Organize training sessions and workshops that your team members can attend, and you can educate them about current cyber threats and best practices. Remember: Keep it engaging. Don’t hit the digital brick wall.

Launch Awareness Campaigns 

Use emails, posters, and intranet resources to spread awareness about cybersecurity within your organization. Highlight key messages and tips throughout the month. We always recommend a motivational cat!

Encourage Reporting 

Create a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting suspicious activities without feeling like they’ll get in trouble. Quick reporting = quicker response.

Get Involved. Make a Difference. Spread the CSAM Word.

The roles within CSAM are unlimited. By understanding its significance and actively participating in the various activities and training sessions, you (and so many others) can contribute to a more secure online environment. And don’t just stop at the office. Many in your community should know about CSAM’s importance, even if it means you could be elected Mayor of Cybersecurity, know you’d have our vote!