A Nation Wide Initiative

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), a collaborative effort promoted by the U.S. government and private sector to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure all Americans have access to the knowledge and resources they need to be safer and more secure online. 

NCSAM is co-led by The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA). NCSAM has grown extensively over the past 16 years since its inception, reaching consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, corporations, educational institutions and citizens across the nation. 

Cyber security in our current technological age is more vital than ever before because the entire globe is involved and connected. The threats to our security can now come from all sides as we have computers, or computerized things, in every aspect of our lives. Not only are our computers and phones connected to the internet, but also countless other Internet of Things (IOT) devices including everything from smart TV's, security systems, sound systems, refrigerators, thermostats, and more. 

So much of our lives depend on the networking capabilities of the internet working in our favor, but when our networks are used against us the results can be more devastating than ever before.  Now a hacker can break into your phone, computer, or even your car and learn everything they need to know to steal your privacy and your personal data, putting you at risk for identity theft, data ransoming, and extensive financial loss.

NCSAM 2020 

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. NCSAM strives to emphasize personal accountability and stress the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity at home and in the workplace.  

This year’s theme – Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart. – encourages individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity.

NCSAM emphasizes “If You Connect It, Protect It.” Throughout October, CISA and NCSA will focus on the following areas in our promotions and outreach:

• October 1 and 2: Official NCSAM Kick-off
• Week 1 (Oct 5): If You Connect It, Protect It
• Week 2 (Oct 12): Securing Devices at Home and Work
• Week 3 (Oct 19): Securing Internet-Connected Devices in Healthcare
• Week 4 (Oct 26): The Future of Connected Devices

We will be following along with their outreach schedule and providing additional content of our own throughout the month.

Follow our social media pages for cyber security and technology related news, best practices, and advice on how you can be more #CyberSecure in both your personal and professional life! 

Become A Cyber Security Champion

At Wildcard, we know how important it is to be cyber secure. That's why security is a priority in everything we do. From web development and software development to custom IT solutions, we always make sure security best practices are followed. Wildcard is a proud National Cyber Security Awareness Month Champion. 

Want to be a champion of cybersecurity awareness? Join Wildcard by becoming a NCSAM Champion! Any individual, organization or business can participate in the National Cyber Security Awareness Month Champion program. It’s easy to sign up and its totally free! In addition, all participants receive a free NCSAM Champion toolkit to help aid you or your organization in increasing cybersecurity awareness.

Use NCSAM’s hashtag #BeCyberSmart before and during October to promote your involvement in raising cybersecurity awareness.

We encourage everyone to help spread cybersecurity awareness both this month and into the future.