Stop.Think.Connect. Encourages You to Act for National Cyber Security Awareness Month this October

Every day, we are more and more interconnected. We rely on the Internet for all of our day-to-day needs as it allows us to stay connected, informed, and involved. However, this increased connectivity brings increased risk of theft, fraud, and abuse - making cybersecurity one of our country’s most important national security priorities.

In recognition of the importance of cybersecurity awareness, President Obama designated October 2012 as National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) as a reminder that being safer and more secure online is a shared responsibility. In other words, we should always ensure that our information and critical infrastructures remain secure and reliable for everyone.

Throughout NCSAM and beyond, you’re invited to join the DHS Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign to take part and ACT - Achieve Cybersecurity Together - to ensure everyone understands their role in safeguarding and securing cyberspace, recognizes how to protect themselves and their online interests, and knows who to contact if compromised online.

Here are a few simple things businesses, schools, and home users can do to practice cybersecurity during National Cyber Security Awareness Month and throughout the year:

• Find or register a local National Cyber Security Awareness Month event.
• Show your organization's commitment to cybersecurity by signing the online endorsement form and becoming a National Cyber Security Awareness Month Champion.
• Download tip sheets on how to stay safer in a variety of online settings: on social networking sites, on gaming sites, on your mobile device, and distribute them within your community.
• Participate in the NCSA's Cyber Security Awareness Volunteer Education (C-SAVE) Program and help educate elementary, middle, and high school students about Internet safety and security.
• Add a signature block to your e-mail: "October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. Stay Safe Online! Visit www.staysafeonline.org for the latest cybersecurity tips."

For more information on NCSAM, click here.

Are you cyber ready? Stop.Think.Connect. Commemorates National Preparedness Month

Think about this - what would you do if you received a suspicious email from a friend that only included a link? Would you click on it?  What would your spouse, children, friends, or colleagues do? Phishing attacks are only one of the many complex cyber threats we face every time we go online regardless of whether we are at home, at work, or on the go. As technology advances, so do the techniques cybercriminals use to gain access to our computer networks. 

To commemorate National Preparedness Month, Americans all over the country are preparing for the unexpected fire, hurricane, tornado or man-made disasters. While the devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities caused from a natural or man-made disaster are easy to see, it is much more difficult to understand the impact of a sluggish computer infected with malware or viruses.

Unlike physical threats that prompt immediate action – like stop, drop, and roll in the event of a fire – cyber threats are often difficult to identify and comprehend. However, they can be just as dangerous. Cyber preparedness can be as simple as setting up the proper controls such as the ones listed below to increase your chances of avoiding cyber risks:  

• Only connect to the Internet over secure, password- protected networks.
• Do not respond to online requests for personal information; most organizations – banks, universities, companies, etc. – do not ask for your personal information over the Internet.
• Limit who you are sharing information with by reviewing the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
• Trust your gut; if you think an offer is too good to be true, then it probably is.
• Do not use the same password twice; choose a password that means something to you and you only; change your passwords on a regular basis.

Click here for more tips and guidance from www.Ready.gov on how to prepare in the event of a cyber-attack. If you feel you’ve been a victim of a malware attack, phishing scheme, or another cybercrime, contact your local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint.

Stop.Think.Connect. Partners with the Girl Scouts of USA

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on August 22, 2012 during the Atlanta Cyber Tour that the Girl Scouts of the USA organization has joined the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign’s National Network, forming a new partnership which will promote cybersecurity awareness to over 3.2 million youth across the country.

The Campaign will provide the Girl Scouts with tools and resources to help raise awareness among kids, teens, and young adults about emerging online threats and the importance of cybersecurity. This partnership builds on the Campaign’s efforts to highlight curriculum resources available to communities, as well as to promote cyber awareness and educate America’s youth about safer online practices.

“Cyber education is crucial for preparing future generations for the ever-changing cyber world,” said Secretary Napolitano. “With the help of Girl Scouts of the USA, the Campaign has an opportunity to broaden cybersecurity awareness to millions of American youth engaged with the Girl Scouts program.”

"This collaboration between Girl Scouts and The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will empower girls to become leaders and advocates for the safe and responsible use of technology," explains Anna Maria Chávez, Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of the USA. "We know that girls are online. As adults, it is our responsibility to create an environment that encourages girls to establish healthy online habits."

Girl Scouts of the USA was founded in 1912 with the goal of bringing girls out of isolated home environments and into community service.  Through enriching experiences, such as field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, Girl Scouts seeks to grow courageous and strong young women.

For additional information on Girl Scouts of the USA please click here.

Stop.Think.Connect. Atlanta Cyber Tour Recap

The Atlanta Cyber Tour launched on August 20, 2012 and ran concurrently with the Government Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (GFIRST) Conference. With involvement from Georgia Tech, InfraGard, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), YWCA – and more, the Cyber Tour provided a collective, hands-on approach to online safety through interactive presentations, forums, and roundtable discussions.

The Atlanta Cyber Tour marks the Campaign’s fourth Cyber Tour location, preceded by Boston, MA, Miami, FL, and the Twin Cities, MN.  The next Cyber Tour will be held in Omaha, NE in October to kick off National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2012.

The Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign is beginning to plan the 2013 Cyber Tours. For more information on how you can be involved, please email stopthinkconnect@dhs.gov.