National Cyber Security Awareness Month Reminds Everyone That Smart Devices Are Fueled By Our Personal Information
WASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Technology is advancing at lightning speed. Innovations like smart cities, cars and appliances and connected health care devices are quickly becoming part of our daily lives. While increasing interconnectivity and the growing Internet of Things (IoT) offer tremendous efficiencies and benefits to our lives ? at home, at work and on the go ? it's essential to recognize that everyone plays a role in protecting this ever-expanding cyber ecosystem.
In the third week of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) - a far-reaching online safety awareness and education initiative co-founded and led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - NCSA will identify strategies for security, safety and privacy while using cutting-edge technology.
"Technology is booming worldwide. We are moving beyond a connected environment of laptops, PCs and smartphones to an internet of devices that surround us in streams of data. Now, as this advancing technology gets its first foothold in our lives, we need to remain vigilant and build out the next generation of the internet by continually making it safer and more secure," said Michael Kaiser, NCSA's executive director. "We must create a culture of cybersecurity around these smart devices and breakthrough technologies by understanding the benefits as well as the risks and learning how to take security precautions and protect our devices and data so we can enjoy these innovations with more peace of mind."
Securing Breakthrough Technologies - The Next Five Years
On Monday, Oct. 16, NCSA is partnering with Nasdaq to host "Securing Breakthrough Technologies - The Next Five Years, a NCSA and Nasdaq Cybersecurity Summit" at the Nasdaq MarketSite in New York City's Times Square. This event brings together experts from industry, government and academia to discuss cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, the IoT, machine learning, authentication and standards and what they mean for the average person and how we interact with technology. Additionally, speakers will address the "Internet of Insecure Things" - in which many devices are manufactured without security built in - and the roles these technologies will play in advancing cybersecurity and a safer internet. The day's events include engaging panel discussions and TED-style talks and conclude with the ringing of the Nasdaq Closing Bell in honor of NCSAM. Sponsors of the event include Cisco, Dell, Palo Alto Networks and ServiceNow.
"Cyber threats have changed radically with the evolution of technology and trends like the IoT and digitization. Cyber responsibility is not isolated to one person or one group - such as the information security team - or one piece of technology," said Anthony Grieco, trust strategy officer at Cisco. "Cisco takes the mindset that security should be pervasive and ownership must span the entire organization and industry - people, process, technology and policy. Organizations like NCSA and events like NCSAM are crucial to industry success; they bring together collective thinkers in an effort to address collective challenges. We are excited and proud to be a part of this partnership."
"Today, there is an explosion of data that's being created, consumed and shared as organizations expand their digital footprint - and with that, they are all looking for ways to remain secure without sacrificing productivity. New markets like IoT can create a more complex environment, while emerging technologies like AI can provide opportunities to address the challenge in a new way," said David Konetski, fellow and VP of security and client solutions at Dell. "At Dell, we're driving new security and management paradigms targeted toward helping our customers and their infrastructure stay safe from attack and compromise. We're proud to be part of this transformation and to be part of the solution."
"As the pace and volume of sophisticated attacks continues to increase, organizations and consumers alike are grappling with the challenge of staying ahead of the constantly evolving threat landscape," said Rick Howard, chief security officer of Palo Alto Networks. "National Cyber Security Awareness Month is an important reminder that our way of life in the digital age must be protected, and it's imperative that we remain focused on safeguarding our digital infrastructure in October and beyond."
"Attackers have fully embraced the use of cloud, task automation and orchestration, while enterprises are stuck using spreadsheets and manual labor to respond to threats," said Brendan O'Connor, security chief technology officer at ServiceNow. "Enterprises need to use the same class of technology to defend themselves that bad actors are using to attack. Refinement of breakthrough technologies - such as intelligent automation - as part of security response strategy will play a huge role in the advancement of cybersecurity."
NCSA's Top STOP. THINK. CONNECT.(TM) Tips for Your Increasingly Connected Life
Rapidly advancing technology brings countless potential opportunities, but it's important to remember to STOP. THINK. CONNECT.(TM) NCSA recommends following these tips to enjoy the benefits of cutting-edge tech with more peace of mind:
-- Learn how to safeguard your IoT devices: Protecting devices like
wearables and smart appliances can be different than securing your
computer or smartphone. Research how to keep an IoT device secure before
you purchase it, and take steps to safeguard your device over time.
-- Pay attention to the Wi-Fi router in your home: Use a strong password to
protect the device, keep it up to date and name it in a way that won't
let people know it's in your house.
-- Delete when done: Many of us download apps for specific purposes or have
apps that are no longer useful or interesting to us. It's a good
security practice to delete apps you no longer use.
-- Own your online presence: Understand what information your devices
collect and how it's managed and stored - and set the privacy and
security settings on devices to your comfort level for information
sharing.
-- Research before you buy: Before adopting a new smart device, do your
research to make sure others have had positive experiences from a
security and privacy perspective.
-- Lock down your login: Fortify your online accounts by enabling the
strongest authentication tools available, such as biometrics, security
keys or a unique one-time code through an app on your mobile device.
Your usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like
email, banking and social media.
Check out the latest NCSAM infographic for tips on protecting your always-on family and connected home (download and share it on social media using the hashtag #CyberAware!).
Be a Part of Something Big: Become a NCSAM Champion
One way you and/or your organization can participate in NCSAM is becoming a NCSAM Champion. Champions represent those dedicated to promoting a safer, more secure and more trusted internet. Becoming a Champion is easy and does not require any financial support. There are already more than 950 organizations and more than 450 individuals signed up to support the month. Champions receive a toolkit of online safety awareness and education materials they can use to support the month and updates leading up to and throughout October on resources, upcoming events and ways to get involved.
Upcoming NCSAM Events
NCSA and partners will host a number of events across the country up to and throughout NCSAM. Noteworthy upcoming events and initiatives include:
-- Securing Breakthrough Technologies - The Next Five Years, a NCSA and
Nasdaq Cybersecurity Summit, Monday, Oct. 16, 11:30 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.
EDT/8:30-11:50 a.m. PDT, Times Square, New York, NY/Virtual: Future
technologies are proliferating worldwide, from smart cities and
autonomous cars to connected coffee makers and healthcare devices. This
massive interconnectivity expands our ability to gain insight about who
we are and our global societies. This never-before-seen phenomenon also
provides countless opportunities for bad actor exploits. Will artificial
intelligence, machine learning, standards or even authentication provide
the solutions to a safer and more secure connected world? Great minds
will debate these issues and more. In honor of NCSAM, NCSA and Nasdaq
will host the NCSA and Nasdaq Cybersecurity Summit. The event will be
livestreamed in two parts: the first from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. EDT
and the second from 1:05 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT here. Additionally, from
12:40 to 1:00 p.m. EDT Nasdaq will stream interviews with speakers from
its studio on Facebook Live.
-- DC CyberWeek, Monday, Oct. 16 - Friday, Oct. 20, Washington, D.C.
(multiple locations): DC CyberWeek is a weeklong SXSW-style festival in
our nation's capital bringing together leaders, experts and decision
makers from the government and tech communities. The festival features
dozens of community events complemented by core conferences and parties
created by the festival organizer, CyberScoop. DC CyberWeek is about big
ideas and coming together to make an impact on the greater good of our
connected world.
-- Cyber Security & Technology Conference, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 9:00 a.m. -
5:00 p.m. (EDT), 903 Manchester Street, Suite 190, Lexington, KY:
Business leaders, professionals and thought leaders will convene in
Lexington, for a one-day interactive conference hosted by Integrity IT.
The event will explore the latest in the field of information technology
and the newest cyber crime prevention methods. Through presentations,
discussions and technology spotlights, you will develop and build
long-term actionable strategies designed to help improve your security
posture. You will leave with solutions to implement the very next day.
-- Cyber Security Chicago, Wednesday, Oct. 18 - Thursday, Oct. 19, 2301 S.
King Drive, Chicago, IL: Cyber Security Chicago offers invaluable
security insight for both IT managers and security decision makers. Hear
from industry experts about how you can build stronger defenses against
cyber attacks and how to recover if your systems are breached.
-- SecureWorld Dallas, Wednesday, Oct. 18 - Thursday, Oct. 19, 2000 East
Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, TX: Join your fellow security professionals
for affordable, high-quality cybersecurity training and education.
Attend featured keynote presentations, panel discussions and breakout
sessions - all while networking with local peers. Earn 6-12 CPE credits
through educational elements, learning from nationally recognized
industry leaders. Visit the expo hall and discover the latest
technologies from security solutions providers. Use a NCSA promo code at
registration to get a discount on your pass.
-- Can the Internet of Insecure Things Be Saved? Thursday, Oct. 19,
1:00-2:00 p.m. EDT/10:00-11:00 a.m. PDT, Virtual/Online: In this webinar
hosted by RSA Conference and NCSA, great minds will debate issues
surrounding the IoT and security in honor of NCSAM.
-- #ChatSTC Twitter Chat: Today's Predictions for Tomorrow's Internet,
Thursday, Oct. 19, 3:00-4:00 p.m. EDT/12:00-1:00 p.m. PDT,
Virtual/Online: Smart cities, connected healthcare devices, digitized
records and smart cars and homes have become our new reality. While
always-on technology makes our lives more convenient and unlocks
potential for the future, it is fueled by our personal information,
which presents security and privacy concerns for both consumers and
businesses. This Twitter chat - coinciding with Week 3 of NCSAM - will
highlight the growing IoT and discuss how to use cutting-edge technology
in safer and more secure ways. Use #ChatSTC to join!
-- Higher Ed Cyber Security Challenge Presented by Symantec, Thursday, Oct.
19 - Friday, Oct. 20, Virtual: Does your school have the best
cybersecurity team in higher education? Register your cyber team to
compete in Symantec's first-ever nationwide Higher Ed Cyber Security
Competition. The competition will help higher education cybersecurity
leaders understand the vulnerabilities of today's global threat
landscape, gain critical security intelligence and put their skills to
the test in a high-pressure environment.
-- Free Computer Workshop - Six Steps to Better Security, Saturday, Oct.
21, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (EDT), 184 Phelps Street, Painesville, OH:
TERKK's Computer Services LLC, has partnered with Morley Library to
offer a free community workshop to enhance your technical skills.
-- EDUCAUSE Live! Webinar: Shifting to Security Awareness 2.0, Monday, Oct.
23, 1:00-2:00 p.m. EDT/10:00-11:00 a.m. PDT, Virtual/Online: This
presentation by Jason Hoenich, founder and chief product officer at
Habitu8, will discuss in-depth the risks related to delivering poor
awareness programs versus adapting to changing needs and demands of the
attack surface and learning behaviors of humans. Incorporating the key
fundamental behavioral psychology nodes for establishing true culture
change and the experience of the end user will move our programs to
Security Awareness 2.0.
-- SecureWorld Cincinnati, Tuesday, Oct. 24, 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. (EDT),
11355 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH: Join your fellow security
professionals for affordable, high-quality cybersecurity training and
education. Attend featured keynote presentations, panel discussions and
breakout sessions - all while networking with local peers. Earn 6-12 CPE
credits through educational elements, learning from nationally
recognized industry leaders. Visit the expo hall and discover the latest
technologies from security solutions providers. Use a NCSA promo code at
registration to get a discount on your pass.
-- CyberNextDC: Privacy. Partnerships. Protection, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 7:30
a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (EDT), Venable LLP, 600 Massachusetts Avenue NW, 9th
Floor, Washington, D.C.: In honor of NCSAM, the Coalition for
Cybersecurity Policy & Law, the Cyber Threat Alliance and The National
Security Institute at the George Mason University Antonin Scalia School
of Law will host this inaugural policy day in Washington. This daylong
event will feature prominent members of the cybersecurity community as
well as congressional and administration leadership who are actively
engaged in cybersecurity policy issues. The event will also feature top
policymakers, leading industry practitioners and other experts
discussing the current state of cybersecurity, fostering critical
discussions among participants and identifying forward thinking
approaches to improve cybersecurity.
-- Finding a Career in Cybersecurity: Panel on Job Success, Wednesday, Oct.
25, 1:00 p.m. EDT/10:00 a.m. PDT, Virtual/Online: For those looking to
break into the cybersecurity industry, the options can be overwhelming.
Should you go back to school? Do online courses? How do you find the
right role that matches your passions and skills? In this free webinar,
hosted by Learning@Cisco and a panel of cybersecurity professionals,
we'll be diving into how to answer these questions and more.
-- #ChatSTC Twitter Chat: The Internet Wants You - Consider a Career in
Cybersecurity, Thursday, Oct. 26, 3:00-4:00 p.m. EDT/12:00-1:00 p.m.
PDT, Virtual/Online: A key risk to our economy and security is the
shortage of cybersecurity professionals to protect our extensive
networks. Week 4 of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) is
all about growing the next generation of a skilled cyber workforce. In
this NCSAM Twitter chat, we'll discuss the many exciting and rewarding
opportunities in the field of cybersecurity and provide tips and
resources for both new and seasoned professionals looking to gain
cybersecurity expertise. Use #ChatSTC to join!
Learn more about upcoming NCSAM events (and submit your own events to NCSA's events calendar) at staysafeonline.org.
Helpful Resources from NCSA and Partners
-- NCSA
-- NCSAM Infographic - Inside Your Connected Home: Protect Your
Always-On Family
-- DHS
-- DHS' Stop.Think.Connect. Toolkit: The Stop.Think.Connect. Toolkit
provides a variety of cybersecurity resources including tip cards on
the Internet of Things, Best Practices for Using Public WiFi, Online
Privacy and more.
-- DHS Securing the Internet of Things: This resource was developed by
DHS to help the public better understand the Internet of Things, and
more importantly how it relates to cybersecurity. Additional
resources include the Internet of Things Fact Sheet and Strategic
Principles for Securing the Internet of Things.
-- U.S. Computer Emergency Response Team (US-CERT): US-CERT is part of
DHS's National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center.
US-CERT leads efforts to improve the Nation's cybersecurity posture,
coordinate cyber information sharing, and proactively manage cyber
risks to the Nation. Sign up to receive tips, alerts, current
activity reports and bulletins on their website.
-- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
-- What you need to know to secure your IoT device: The FTC blog gives
some quick tips to keep your IoT device safe from hackers.
-- Using IP Cameras Safely: Network or internet cameras - usually
marketed as IP cameras - are popular for keeping an eye on your
property, your family and your pets. These cameras provide live
video and audio feeds that you can access remotely using an internet
browser. But many IP cameras on the market are vulnerable to digital
snooping, making security features key when you shop for and use
these devices.
-- Cisco
-- Midyear Cybersecurity Report: Cisco's Midyear Cybersecurity Report
provides research and analysis of the latest cybersecurity
vulnerabilities and offers insight on detecting threats and
preventing attacks.
-- The Network's Role in Securing the IoT: In this blog post, Anthony
Grieco discusses the responsibility of IoT manufacturers, developers
and vendors to adhere to security requirements and the need to
establish a set of industry standards.
-- Dell
-- Dell End User Security Survey
-- The Human Side of Security: Security Threats and Considerations For
Today's Mobile Workforce
-- Palo Alto Networks
-- Cybersecurity Awareness Means Data Awareness: The streetlight effect
refers to only searching for something where it is easiest. In
today's world, companies often approach cybersecurity in this way,
searching for things where the light is brightest, even if it's the
wrong place.
-- Practical Advice for Achieving a Diverse Cybersecurity Industry:
Youth and mentorship programs, and rethinking strategies around
changing ingrained workplace behavior, can help us get there.
-- ServiceNow
-- Rethink the Security Breach: Organizations struggle to detect and
address information security breaches. Senior executives say the
volume of threats is overwhelming processes, employees and
infrastructure. The answer is to rethink the security response.
All month long, you can follow the NCSAM conversation on social media using the hashtag #CyberAware (and tag your own posts with #CyberAware, too!). Additionally, @STOPTHNKCONNECT is hosting weekly Twitter chats in support of NCSAM to discuss different topics and trends in cybersecurity. Tune in for hourlong chats Oct. 19 and 26 and Nov. 1 at 3 p.m. EDT/noon PDT; visit the STOP. THINK. CONNECT.(TM) website for the full chat schedule. NCSA has created sample social media posts, infographics, posters, memes and more that you can download and share, and that encourages organizations and individuals to show their support for NCSAM and get the latest resources by registering as NCSAM Champions. Finally, check out the Stay Safe Online blog for NCSAM posts from NCSA and partners during the month of October.
About National Cyber Security Awareness Month
National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online. Now in its 14th year, NCSAM was co-founded and is co-led by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, the nation's leading nonprofit public-private partnership promoting the safe and secure use of the internet and digital privacy. Recognized annually in October, NCSAM involves the participation of a multitude of industry leaders ? mobilizing individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, academia, multinational corporations and governments. Encouraging digital citizens around the globe to STOP. THINK. CONNECT.(TM), NCSAM is harnessing the collective impact of its programs and resources to increase awareness about today's ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Visit the NCSA media room for more information and resources.
About the National Cyber Security Alliance
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is the nation's leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. NCSA works with a broad array of stakeholders in government, industry and civil society. NCSA's primary partners are the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and NCSA's Board of Directors, which includes representatives from ADP; Aetna; AT&T Services Inc.; Bank of America; Barclays; CDK Global, LLC; Cisco; Comcast Corporation; ESET North America; Google; Facebook; LifeLock, Inc.; Logical Operations; NXP Semiconductors; RSA, the Security Division of EMC; Symantec Corporation; Intel Corporation; MasterCard; Microsoft Corporation; PayPal; Raytheon; PKWARE; Salesforce; SANS Security Awareness; TeleSign; Visa and Wells Fargo. NCSA's core efforts include National Cyber Security Awareness Month (October); Data Privacy Day (Jan. 28) and STOP. THINK. CONNECT.(TM), the global online safety awareness and education campaign co-founded by NCSA and the Anti Phishing Working Group, with federal government leadership from DHS. For more information on NCSA, please visit staysafeonline.org/about-us/overview/.
About STOP. THINK. CONNECT.(TM)
STOP. THINK. CONNECT.(TM) is the global cybersecurity education and awareness campaign. The campaign was created by an unprecedented coalition of private companies, nonprofits and government organizations with leadership provided by NCSA and the Anti-Phishing Working Group. DHS leads the federal engagement in the campaign. Learn how to get involved at stopthinkconnect.org.
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