Digital security concept

Cybersecurity Awareness Month

DID YOU KNOW?

  • Hackers attack every 39 seconds, on average 2,244 times a day. (University of Maryland)
  • 56% of Americans don’t know what steps to take in the event of a data breach. (Varonis)
  • 46% of organizations got all of their malware via email. (Verizon 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report)

The MEL, which features an extensive Cyber Risk Control and Cyber Risk Management program and has a Cyber Task Force to keep members informed of educated about trending cyber threats, has renewed its commitment to serve as part of the Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champions Program.  This is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations and individuals committed to promoting this year’s theme: “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.”

The goal is to empower individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace.  The overarching message dives into the importance of keeping connected devices safe and secure from outside influence. More than ever before, connected devices have been woven into society as an integral part of how people communicate and access services essential to their well being.

Data collected from these devices can detail highly specific information about a person or business which can be exploited by bad actors for their personal gain.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to shed light on these security vulnerabilities while offering guidance surrounding simple security measures to limit the susceptibility of threats for commonly used devices.

The focus areas will revolve around:

  • If You Connect It, Protect It – Understanding and following general security hygiene for connected devices and home networks
  • Securing Devices at Home and Work – The importance of connected devices security for remote workers
    • Click here to read the MEL authored article in the October 2020 special Cyber Edition of the League of Municipalities Magazine.
  • Securing Internet-Connected Devices in Healthcare – How connected devices play a pivotal role in the future of healthcare
  • The Future of Connected Devices -The overall future of connected devices for consumers, professionals and the public domain

Click here to view Cybersecurity Awareness Month resources and tip sheets for these areas.

Click here for additional resources are also available on the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell website.  

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

Now in its 17th year, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our Nation, ensuring that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online.

“Cybersecurity is important to the success of all businesses and organizations. NCSA is proud to have such a strong and active community helping to encourage proactive behavior and prioritize cybersecurity in their organizations,” said Kelvin Coleman, Executive Director, NCSA.

The MEL is proud to be a Champion and support this far-reaching online safety awareness and education initiative which is co-led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

For more information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2020 and how to participate in a wide variety of activities, visit staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/. You can also follow and use the official hashtag #BeCyberSmart on social media throughout the month

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