by Dave Moore, 10/11/2020
Although not an official part of the holiday season, having October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) is a good thing. If people can have an awareness of cyber security and stay safe, maybe the good guys can win the war for the Internet.
From the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) website, in the section devoted to the subject, we find,
“As school, socializing, and many aspects of life have moved online this year, it’s more important than ever that you protect your digital devices and steer clear of cybercriminals. So during National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), observed each October, the FBI and partner agencies remind you to do your part and #BeCyberSmart all year long.”
I suggest you visit the website at www.fbi.gov and, in the upper-right corner, search their site for NCSAM 2020. This will lead you to their NCSAM page full of worthy suggestions on how to be Cyber Safe, how to report crimes, keeping kids safe, and more.
Each week of NCSAM 2020, the FBI is highlighting a priority issue. The first two weeks focus on the most pressing online threats and scams facing businesses, organizations, and individuals. These include: spoofing and phishing; general online safety; business email compromise; ransomware; online safety for kids; Internet Crime Complaint Center marks 20 years; COVID-19 cyber scams; staying safe during the pandemic; protect your wallet and your health from pandemic scammers; BEC (business email compromise) schemes; PPE (personal protective equipment) scams; COVOD-19 Fraud Schemes; and the COVID-19 Security Resources Library.
Weeks three and four will cover: the future of cyber; recruitment; learn more about joining our world-class cyber workforce; working for the FBI; victim of cyber scams and how the FBI can help; Office of the Private Sector; Victim Services, and Contact Us. Clearly, the FBI has a well-rounded lineup of information and resources that you should avail yourself of.
The National CyberSecurity Alliance website, at staysafeonline.org, is a major promotor of Cyber Security Awareness Month, and other important initiatives designed to help people fight the Internet bad guys and win. I am glad to see people finally stepping up to take care of business in powerful and effective ways.
Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and Internet safety education is vital to your well-being. Keep reading this column and I will show you how you can become the best cyber-safe citizen you can be.
Dave Moore has been fixing computers in Oklahoma since 1984. Founder of the non-profit Internet Safety Group Ltd., he also teaches Internet safety community training workshops. He can be reached at 405-919-9901 or www.internetsafetygroup.org