The History of Cybersecurity Month

The National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S Department of Homeland Security launched the first Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October 2004. This was in an effort to help ensure that all Americans were safer online. As this first came to play, it focused on awareness and advice to ensure that everyone was using a secure network. Since the beginning, this month has continued to expand its participation through industries engaging their customers, employees and the general public in cybersecurity awareness.  

"If everyone does their part – implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating vulnerable audiences and training employees – our interconnected world will be safer and more resilient for everyone." (wwt.com)

The theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month this year is “See Yourself in Cyber.” Each week focuses on raising awareness of an individual’s cybersecurity, especially now with the advent of remote work. 

In accordance with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, ITS has put together a weekly theme: 

• Week 1: Cybersecurity in general  
• Week 2: Securing the remote environment 
• Week 3: Protecting identity (MFA & Password) 
• Week 4: Managing cyber threats 

ITS wants to help you, your family, friends, and your community stay protected all year long by sharing tips and tricks to ensure your network at home and at your workplace are protected. As mentioned, remote/hybrid work has become incredibly common after COVID-19. As a result, businesses across the world have secured their networks like never before. With employees working at coffee shops, or just in the comfort of their own homes, cyber threats become more likely. 

ADDITIONAL FACTS AND FIGURES

• 43% of adults have shared their password with someone. (Google)
• Only 45% of adults would change a password after a breach. (Google)
• 75% of people said they don’t know how to create secure passwords in the first place.(Ponemon Institute)
• 81% of the total number of breaches leveraged stolen or weak passwords. (LastPass)
• 61% of employees use the same passwords for multiple platforms. (LastPass)

Download National Cybersecurity Alliance's 2022 Cybersecurity Awareness Month Guide.