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National Cybersecurity Awareness Month champions online safety and security throughout October. This vital observance encourages individuals and organizations to understand digital risks, implement robust protective measures, and foster a safer internet for everyone. Take proactive steps to safeguard your data, learn about emerging threats, and secure your digital footprint.
Want to sponsor National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - October? Learn how
Expected National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - October Deals
As National Cybersecurity Awareness Month unfolds, expect a surge in educational initiatives and special offers from cybersecurity providers. Companies like NortonLifeLock and McAfee typically offer discounts on their antivirus and internet security suites, while brands such as LastPass often promote premium password management solutions. Businesses might find deals on enterprise security solutions from vendors like CrowdStrike or Palo Alto Networks, alongside training programs from organizations like SANS Institute. Keep an eye out for free webinars and resources from CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) and the National Cyber Security Alliance. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and educational campaigns as October approaches.
Platform Guide for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - October
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth. Share professional insights on data protection and best practices.
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Mention @NatlToday and use #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth. Share real-time tips, news, and alerts on emerging cyber threats.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth. Post family-friendly tips for online safety and privacy.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - October Hero
Grace Hopper
History of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - October
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month began in 2004 through a partnership between the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). Cyber protection has grown to a worldwide imperative and, throughout this month, businesses, governments, and individuals come together in their passion for online protection.
Beginning in 2009, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month was given a theme – ‘Our Shared Responsibility’ — and then, in 2011, a weekly theme was chosen. The weekly themes were prompted, in part, due to the amount of information there is to cover on the topic of Cybersecurity. New trends emerge every year. For example, the last few years have given rise to ransomware, online data breaches, phishing, and cryptojacking.
According to Online Trust Alliance, internet use has grown from less than 14 million people in 1992 to over 4 billion in 2019! Over 5 billion sensitive records were compromised through online breaches in 2018 and 2019.
Cybersecurity is everyone’s job and vitally important throughout the year, not only in October. There is no downtime in keeping our online activities safe and secure. But this month creates far-reaching awareness of the importance of cybersecurity so set aside some time to ensure you are personally protected and work with your employer’s I.T. department to protect your company’s information and networks. Be sure to check out the numerous free resources found on both sponsoring organizations’ websites. For a great starting point, check out these tip sheets.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - October timeline
The first amendment to the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984, which contains the first laws regarding cybersecurity — prior to this, computer-related crimes had to be prosecuted under mail-fraud laws.
One of the first computer worms released through the internet, the Morris worm infects 6,000 computers within 24 hours
Robert Morris, the creator of the Morris computer worm, is indicted — the first person to be indicted under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month launches this theme, which they continue to use through 2018.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - October
Local businesses can significantly boost their cybersecurity posture during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Offer free workshops for employees on identifying phishing emails and creating strong passwords. Partner with a local IT security firm to provide discounted vulnerability assessments or host a ‘secure your small business’ webinar. Highlight your commitment to data protection with customer-facing communications, demonstrating how you safeguard their information and build trust in your services.
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month - October FAQs
When is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month?
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month runs throughout October 2026. This annual observance dedicates the entire month to promoting online safety and digital security for individuals and organizations alike.
How many cyberattacks happen each year?
While exact numbers are hard to pinpoint due to varying reporting, it’s estimated that millions of cyberattacks occur globally each year, ranging from minor phishing attempts to major data breaches. Many go unreported or undetected.
What is the economic impact of cybercrime?
Cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy trillions of dollars annually, encompassing direct financial losses, data recovery, reputational damage, and business disruption. This figure continues to rise as digital reliance grows.
What is the 'human element' in cybersecurity?
The ‘human element’ refers to the role individuals play in cybersecurity, often being the weakest link through actions like falling for phishing scams or using weak passwords. Education and awareness are crucial to mitigate this risk.
Ways to Observe National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Change your passwords
Today is a good day to change your passwords. We all dread this task since we have so many passwords but they need to be changed periodically and it’s totally worth your time. Use a password manager app to make remembering and keeping passwords organized easier.
Become a Cybersecurity Champion
Through the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA), you can become a National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion! Either as part of your organization or just you individually, you can champion the message of the month to everyone you know. Sign up at www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam/champions/ to receive a toolkit to get started in spreading the important message of online safety and security.
Run antivirus scans
Another great activity for today is to run antivirus scans on all your devices, including your phone. Yes, something we don’t typically make time to do, but it’s a security necessity and today’s the reminder you need to get it done!
5 Tips For Being Cyber Smart
​Extra protection
Multi-factor authentication requires more than one factor to access your device or information — knowledge (information only you should know), possession (a device you should have exclusive access to), and inherent (biometric confirmation such as fingerprint or iris identification).
Password complexity
When creating your next password, which is likely to be really soon, go with the longest password or phrase possible.
There is no delete button
​Never forget that what you put out on social media does not actually ever get deleted — sure, you can delete it, but it’s still out there, accessible by someone.
Not everyone’s a friend
Learn to spot suspicious emails; even emails that have legitimate-looking logos and letterheads can be fake — check the sender’s email address, look for typos and poor grammar, or any message claiming a sense of urgency.
Keep private info private
​Don’t reveal personal information such as your date of birth, social security number, passport number, etc. — even those games you play on social media outlets could give away key information you may use for passwords.
WHY WE LOVE CYBERSECURITY
We want to be secure
We all rely on our devices and online data so cybersecurity impacts everyone on an individual, corporate, and national level. Since cybercrime is indiscriminate, we want to know we, our companies, and our country are doing everything possible to keep our data secure.
We are for the good guys
Seriously, the people behind cybercrime are the bad guys. We want the good guys to prevail so, today, we should all learn from the pros who have our best cyber interests at heart. While you are at it, take a minute to thank them for the work they do to keep your data safe and secure — those I.T. guys and gals don’t hear ‘THANKS’ enough.
It makes a great career
Careers in cybersecurity are on the rise and in high demand. Cybersecurity jobs are expected to grow by 28% through 2026! If you have a love for technology, coupled with a love for solving problems, identifying risks, and evangelizing your cause, then cybersecurity may be just for you!
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