National Cyber Security Awareness Month

National Cyber Security Awareness Month
National Cyber Security Awareness Month logo
NicknameNCSAM
StatusActive
GenreAwareness month
FrequencyAnnually
CountryUSA
InauguratedOctober 2004; 20 years ago (2004-10)
Sponsors
Websitewww.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month

National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) is observed in October in the United States of America.[1][2] Started by the National Cyber Security Division within the Department of Homeland Security and the nonprofit National Cyber Security Alliance, the month raises awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.[3]

History

In 2004, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance launched National Cyber Security Awareness Month as a broad effort to help Americans stay safe and secure online.[2][4] Initial efforts included advice like keeping antivirus programs up to date.[5] Since 2009, the month has included an overall theme, "Our Shared Responsibility," and weekly themes throughout the month were introduced in 2011.[5] In October 2023, a new theme "Secure Our World" was announced as an enduring theme for future years.[6]

References

  1. ^ "FBI — National Cyber Security Awareness Month". FBI.
  2. ^ a b "About National Cyber Security Awareness Month". StaySafeOnline.org. Archived from the original on July 31, 2014.
  3. ^ "National Cyber Security Awareness Month". U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 1999-02-22. Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  4. ^ "Cybersecurity Awareness Month". NIST. 2016-09-16.
  5. ^ a b "A History of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month". Stay Safe Online. Retrieved 2018-10-16.
  6. ^ "Cybersecurity Awareness Month". CISA.gov. Retrieved 2024-07-09.