How to Participate in Cyber Security Awareness Month

An initiative of the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), Cyber Security Awareness Month is held annually to promote heightened awareness of potential threats to the security of private computer users. Home users, small businesses and children are all targeted by the NCSA for education campaigns during National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Take Part in National Cyber Security Awareness Month

1. Check with the National Cyber Security Alliance to find out which month of the year has been designated as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. A schedule of events will be included on their Web site. Events usually take place in October, but that can change.
2. Understand the issues that the security awareness initiative seeks to inform the public about. Identity theft, worms, viruses and scams run by people looking to gain access to private information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, user names and passwords by posing as trustworthy entities are hot topics for discussion.
3. Create an account and login to gain access to NCSA Cyber Security Awareness Month events. If you are concerned about compromising the security of your primary email address, consider creating a new email account solely for the purposes of joining the NCSA events.
4. Decide which events you wish to participate in. The NCSA includes discussion forums, chat sessions and other interactive events to educate the public on threats to their cyber security. Typically, they designate one week of the month to tackle issues facing particular demographic groups, from children to small business owners.
5. Participate by joining a forum from the Web site. Chat sessions begin on a specified date, at a specified time, while the online forums generally have less rigid rules governing their administration. Browse postings and information on the specific topics that interest you to learn more.
6. Learn how to recognize and avoid worms and viruses on your computer. Always practice safe and conscientious protection of sensitive personal information. Never reveal your Social Security number, credit card information, or other financial information to unknown parties.
7. Educate others. If you are a small business owner, consider requiring your employees to participate in National Cyber Security Awareness Month.