In a year when many businesses have had to move their operations online, the need to protect digital devices has become even more critical. In the last 17 years, the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) has played an essential role in advising Americans on effective ways to steer clear of hackers and other cybercriminals. NCSAM is an initiative of NCSA and DHS. On the other side of Atlantic, there is a similar activity taking place every year – the European Cyber Security Month (ECSM) with LIFARS’ participation.
Observed every year in October, NCSAM has become a noteworthy cybersecurity forum with participants from an increasing number of industries. Many companies use this platform to advance their grassroots campaigns, engaging their employees, customers, nonprofits, college campuses, and the general public.
The 2020 NCSAM Theme
Today, NCSAM offers Americans the necessary resources to stay safe and be more secure on the world wide web. This year’s theme is:
“Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.”
The idea behind this theme is to encourage organizations and individuals to take up the responsibility of staying safe online. This year’s theme is emphasizing personal accountability. By owning their role, they can find practical steps towards enhanced cybersecurity.
Throughout this October, NCSA and CISA will emphasize this: “If You Connect It, Protect It.”
The Schedule This October
- October 1 and 2: NCSAM kicks off officially
- Week 1 (from October 5 to October 9): If You Connect It, Protect It
- Week 2 (from October 12 to October 16): Securing Devices at Home and Work
- Week 3 (from October 19 to October 23): Securing Internet-Connected Devices in Healthcare
- Week 4 (from October 26 to October 30): The Future of Connected Devices
NCSAM encourages participants to use the hashtag #BeCyberSmart throughout the month to show participation in the cybersecurity awareness initiative and help promote the forum.
European Cyber Security Month
European Union is also holding its ECSM every year during the month of October. During the event, hundreds of activities across all EU countries take place to promote cyberseceurity among citizens and organizations. LIFARS Slovakia is participating this year with its LIFARS Challenge, a capture the flag (CTF) team competition and training that will be held on October 23, 2020.
The participants will assume the role of investigators and analysts and will be provided with acquired evidence belonging to a single person: drive image of a computer, memory dump and network capture. In this scenario-based CTF the particular challenges are aiming to also improve the cooperation and coordination of teams as well as to provide opportunity to learn something new or improve the procedures and techniques of teams such as CSIRTs and CERTs. Slovak-speaking contestants are welcome to register here.
References
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM)
European Cyber Security Month (ECSM)
