It’s October and that means it is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

CAM started in 2004 with U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance first leading the way to help consumers, businesses of all sizes, schools and young people in the United States with their cybersecurity.  “Cybersecurity is ultimately about protecting lives and keeping people secure,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “It’s important that everyone take a moment this month to implement common-sense steps like multi-factor authentication to keep themselves secure online. So much of our daily routines exist on digital platforms, and we need everyone to do their part to combat the growing threats our nation faces in cyberspace.”[1] In its 18 years, CAM's reach has grown exponentially in its effort "... to help all Americans stay safer and more secure online."   Today, CAM continues to build momentum and impact co-led by NCSA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA).

From CAM's PSA:

This month, CISA will be focused on ensuring the public is practicing good “cyber hygiene,” easy and common-sense steps to protect yourself online. We urge everyone to implement these four easy things you can do on your devices:

• Implement multi-factor authentication on your accounts and make it 99% less likely you’ll get hacked.

• Update your software. In fact, turn on automatic updates.

• Think before you click. Over 90% of successful cyber attacks start with a phishing email.

• Use strong passwords, and ideally a password manager to generate and store unique passwords.

The overarching theme of Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart,” and CISA and the NCSA will focus their efforts on the following specific themes throughout the month:

• Week of October 4 (Week 1): Be Cyber Smart

• Week of October 11 (Week 2): Phight the Phish!

• Week of October 18 (Week 3): Career Awareness Week: Explore. Experience. Share

• Week of October 25 (Week 4): Cybersecurity First

More information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month, including information and resources for organizations interested in helping to get the word out about the importance of cybersecurity, is available at CISA.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month.

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Don’t forget to use an anti-virus program (whether Windows or Mac), a Virtual Private Network when connected with public internet, and back up your computer in case of a breach!

Be Safe Out There, and Happy Lawyering!

#CyberSecurityAwarenessMonth #CyberMonth #cybersecurity #cybersecurityawareness #cybersecuritythreats

[1] https://www.cisa.gov/news/2021/10/01/cisa-kicks-cybersecurity-awareness-month