- Categories:
- Special Interest
- Tags:
- AwarenessSafetyTechnology
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every November 30
- Holiday emoji:
- 🔒
National Computer Security Day demands our attention every November 30, reminding us that cybersecurity affects everything from banking to voting. Use this day to update your passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and educate yourself on the latest online threats to stay safe.
Want to sponsor National Computer Security Day? Learn how
Expected National Computer Security Day Deals
While National Computer Security Day isn’t typically marked by widespread retail sales, it’s a crucial time for cybersecurity firms, educational institutions, and government agencies to amplify awareness campaigns. Look for organizations like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to release updated guidance and resources. Many antivirus and VPN providers, such as NortonLifeLock, McAfee, and ExpressVPN, often offer discounts on their software and services around this period to encourage adoption of better digital hygiene. Educational platforms like Coursera or edX may feature free or discounted courses on cybersecurity fundamentals. Nonprofits focused on digital literacy, such as the National Cyber Security Alliance, will host webinars and distribute informational toolkits. We will update this page with confirmed live resources and educational opportunities as November 30 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Computer Security Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ComputerSecurityDay. Share insights on workplace security best practices or host a virtual panel.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #ComputerSecurityDay. Share quick tips on identifying phishing scams or data breach news.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ComputerSecurityDay. Post educational graphics on privacy settings or family online safety.
National Computer Security Day Hero
Bruce Schneier
History of National Computer Security Day
It seems like everyday we hear about breaches in cyber security. Keeping people and companies safe online is a top priority all over the world. It’s something that stays uppermost in our minds on National Computer Security Day. The story of National Computer Security Day is an interesting one.
On November 2, 1988, Cornell University researchers uncovered an unknown virus lurking in their computer systems. Within four hours of discovery, the “Morris worm” virus invaded several other university systems as well as the ARPANET, an early version of today’s internet.
Six days later, two computer experts with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recommended assembling a “National Computer Infection Action Team” (NCAT) to respond 24/7, 365 to these kinds of attacks. On November 14, the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a research center connected with Carnegie Mellon University, set up the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT).
In 1988, the National Computer Security Day sprang out of the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery’s (ACM) Special Interest Group on Security, Audit, and Control as a way to raise awareness about cyber crimes and viruses. According to a 2004 “Networld” article, “November 30 was chosen for CSD so that attention on computer security would remain high during the holiday season – when people are typically more focused on the busy shopping season than thwarting security threats.” By 2003, CERT and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security joined forces to create the National Cyber Awareness System.
Whether we’re talking about National Computer Security Day or National Cybersecurity Awareness Month also in October, the goals are essentially the same. Each person must be proactive to protect their online security. Use this month to find out all you can about common sense ways to stay safe in cyberspace.
National Computer Security Day timeline
In response to burgeoning threats of cyber attacks, a chapter of the Association for Computer Machinery (ACM) creates National Computer Security Day to raise public awareness every November 30.
The Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security work together to create the National Cyber Awareness System.
Cryptolocker released a form of malware which could not be removed without the victim paying a “ransom” which may or may not restore any lost files.
The Wannacry malware spreads worldwide, kicking hundreds of hospitals offline throughout the United Kingdom.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Computer Security Day
Local businesses can honor National Computer Security Day by prioritizing their digital defenses and educating their teams. Conduct an internal cybersecurity workshop for employees, focusing on recognizing phishing attempts, creating strong passwords, and safe browsing habits. Consider offering a free ‘digital health check’ for customer devices or hosting a community seminar on online safety. Implement multi-factor authentication across all company accounts and ensure all software is up-to-date. Small businesses can also partner with local IT security firms to offer discounted security audits or consultations, demonstrating a commitment to protecting both their own and their clients’ data.
Computer Security By The Numbers
80,000 — the number of cyberattacks per day in 2018.
21% — the percentage of all files that are not protected in any way.
41% — the percentage of companies with over a thousand sensitive files left unprotected.
70% — the percentage of organizations that believe their security risk increased significantly in 2017.
69% — the percentage of organizations that don’t believe computer security threats can be blocked by anti-virus software.
50% — the percentage of security risk that stems from having multiple security vendors and products.
7 out of 10 — the number of organizations that say their security risk increased significantly in 2017.
65% — the percentage of companies that have over 500 users who are never prompted to change their passwords.
350% — the percentage growth of Ransomware attacks.
600% — the percentage increase in IoT attacks in 2017.
61% — the percentage of business breached in 2017 with under 1,000 employees.
National Computer Security Day FAQs
When is National Computer Security Day?
National Computer Security Day 2026 falls on a Monday, November 30, marking a critical annual reminder to safeguard our digital lives. This day encourages individuals and organizations alike to review and strengthen their cybersecurity practices.
How much does cybercrime cost globally?
Cybercrime is an escalating threat, projected to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015. This staggering figure highlights the immense financial impact of data breaches, fraud, and ransomware attacks.
How many people are affected by data breaches each year?
Millions of individuals are impacted by data breaches annually, with hundreds of millions of records exposed globally. These incidents can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and significant personal distress for victims.
What is the difference between a virus and malware?
A computer virus is a specific type of malware that self-replicates by inserting copies of itself into other computer programs or data files. Malware, short for ‘malicious software,’ is a broader term encompassing any software designed to cause damage or gain unauthorized access to a computer system, including viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware.
How to Observe National Computer Security Day
Create a strong password
Lucky for you, we’ve got some tips. In computer security, length matters. Passwords that are 6 characters are easier to hack, especially if they're only made up of lowercase letters. To beef up your password, weave a 9-character combination of uppercase letters, symbols and numbers. Lastly, avoid using the same password for every account.
Update spyware and malware protection software
First, check to see if your operating system is up-to-date. If that's set, update your protection software. Run a scan and don't forget to invite your other devices to the party. Phones and tablets are also major security risks, so be diligent.
Encrypt and backup your data
Encrypt your data to create the brainiest of all brainteasers. But keep this in mind: even the best brain teaser can be cracked. That’s why it's still important to back up your info on either the cloud or an external hard drive. (Just make sure that everything stays encrypted.)
5 Astonishing Facts About Computer Security
The best defense
Human intelligence is the best defense against phishing attacks
It’s usually too late
Most companies take six months to detect a data breach.
A drop in shares
Share prices fall 7.27% on average after a data breach.
Small businesses aren’t safe either
Small to medium businesses are just as prone to data breaches as large corporations.
A crucial factor
Employees who do not follow guidelines have become the top barrier to I.T. security.
Why National Computer Security Day is Important
It reminds us that we play an active role in computer security
Whether it's a bank account or pics that should never have taken, your personal life is, well, personal. This day is a reminder that we deserve to have our privacy protected and we can't rely on programmers alone to do the job. Regularly updating antivirus software, using strong passwords and encrypting data are all measures we can take on our own. Make sure your records of the “bad old days” stay in your memories — not in a stranger's news feed!
It reinforces that our security issues affect others
This holiday reminds us that viruses spread. If you link an infected device to someone else’s device, you put their security at risk. From there, it doesn't take much to compromise an entire network.
It helps us appreciate security systems engineers
Security systems engineers are unsung heroes. Staying one step ahead of hackers is challenging, especially when technology changes so quickly. Computer Security Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation for the work of these professional hacker-fighters!
National Computer Security Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 30 | Monday |
| 2027 | November 30 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | November 30 | Thursday |
| 2029 | November 30 | Friday |
| 2030 | November 30 | Saturday |
Social Media Tips for National Computer Security Day
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