It's Cyber Security Awareness Month!

Cyber Security Awareness Month

Rapidly rising rate of digitization and everyday technological advancements have significantly blurred the line separating our virtual and real lives. Everything from our financial stability to national security has become dependent on the internet. With so many aspects of our personal and professional lives being impacted by the internet, troves of personal and business data has been stored online, making it vulnerable to cyber attacks. Owing to the increasing number of cyber attacks, the cyber security growth rate has risen significantly.

Generating cyber security awareness amongst all those enjoying the benefits of the internet is the first and foremost step towards securing our virtual lives against cyber attacks. To take on this momentous task, Cyber Security Awareness Month is observed every October to ensure every internet user has the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the online world safely. This initiative has significantly helped in spreading awareness about the methods and impact of the ever-evolving cyber threats.

Cyber Security Awareness Month was launched in October 2004 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). This initiative was started as a collaborative effort between the industry and government to make sure users knew the risks of insecure use of the internet and the ways they can stay safe online. Initially, the awareness efforts focused on promoting basic cyber security best practices like updating your antivirus software twice every year.

Today, after 17 years of its inception, Cyber Security Awareness Month has grown exponentially under the combined leadership of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and NCSA. Continuing to build momentum, it has successfully reached countless consumers, SMEs, large corporations and educational institutions. Its efforts have expanded to include the participation of numerous industry participants that impart awareness to their employees, customers and the general public.

So, it's time now we celebrate Cyber Security Awareness Month the way it is meant to be.