The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSAM) is marking its 12th year for the National Cyber Security Awareness Month. This event has been celebrated every October since 2004.

This year marks the 5th anniversary for the, STOP, THINK, CONNECT, campaign, which consists of themes such as, “Keep a Clean Machine,” “Protect Your Personal Information,” “Connect With Care,” “Be Web Wise,” and “Be a Good Online Citizen.”

The Department of Homeland Security has put together a distinct cyber security awareness theme for each week of October as listed below.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2015 Themes & Keystone Events
Week 1: General Cybersecurity Awareness: 5 Years of Stop.Think.Connect.™ - October 1-2
Marking the fifth anniversary of the Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign, week one focuses on cybersecurity as a shared responsibility, and provides simple online tips to empower all Americans to be safer online.
Keystone Event: The Organization of American States Cybersecurity Workshop, Washington, D.C.

Week 2: Creating a Culture of Cybersecurity at Work - October 5-9
Highlights the common threats businesses and employees are exposed to and provides resources for business and employees to stay safer online and enhance their existing security plans.
Keystone Event: U.S. Chamber's Fourth Annual Cybersecurity Summit, Washington, D.C.

Week 3: Connected Communities: Staying Protected While Always Connected - October 12-16
Emphasizes the importance of protecting ourselves when connecting to the Internet while on the go. Week two provides best practices for using mobile devices and social media, and encourages us all to become better digital citizens in our communities.
Keystone Event: The National Cyber Security Awareness Month Cybersecurity Event with Comcast and NBC Universal, Los Angeles, CA

Week 4: Your Evolving Digital Life - October 19-23
Highlights the “smart world” we live in and the importance of educating all citizens on cybersecurity as more and more of the devices we use – from phones and tablets to homes and medical devices – become connected to the Internet. Week four provides a current snapshot of technology and where we envision technology taking us in the future.
Keystone Event: NASDAQ Closing Bell Ceremony & Luncheon, New York, NY

Week 5: Building the Next Generation of Cyber Professionals - October 26-30
Week five looks to the future of the cybersecurity workforce, focusing on cybersecurity education and awareness in schools at all levels, and emphasizing the need for properly trained cybersecurity professionals.
Keystone Event: Educause Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN

The Internet is a resource we all share and everyone has a responsibility to help keep it secure. It is “Our Shared Responsibility “and that is the theme for the 2015 National Cyber Security Awareness Month.

Source: Department of Homeland Security/Stay Safe Online.org


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