The Internet underlies nearly every facet of our daily lives and is the foundation for much of the critical infrastructure that keeps our Nation running. The systems that support electricity, financial services, transportation, and communications are increasingly interconnected.
By working together, we can rest assured that our homes and businesses will have power, our transportation systems will get us where we need to go, and our communication systems will help us connect at work and at home.
Just as critical infrastructure is essential to helping Americans live their everyday lives, a growing “Internet of Things”—the ability of objects and devices to transfer data—is changing the way we use technology and helping people live more efficiently. The Internet of Things encompasses the devices that are embedded with computers and, through a combination of sensors, connectivity to the Internet, and human activity, work to connect our lives to the digital world. Simply put, we are connected and online 24/7 even when we’re not at a computer.
Consumers play an important role in securing critical infrastructure not only by practicing good cyber hygiene themselves, but also by encouraging the many companies and organizations they do business with to adhere to high cybersecurity standards. On an individual basis, consumers can:
- Make a plan to help keep your employees and community safe during an emergency and enhance your ability to recover operations quickly if you run a business. If you are an employee, ask your management whether there are plans in place and request a copy.
- Report suspicious activity.
- Make informed decisions about connecting devices to your networks. Visit the US-CERT Tips page.
- If you manufacture devices, check out the U.S. Small Business Association’s cyber course.
By working together, we can protect the critical infrastructure on which we all we rely, keeping ourselves, our families, and our communities safer and more secure.
Get Involved
Everyone has the opportunity to make a difference this October. To get started, replace your social media profile picture with the National Cyber Security Awareness Month logo during October. Download the social media icons here. For more ways to get involved, visit StaySafeOnline.org.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages everyone to participate in the National Cyber Security Awareness Month events listed below. Visit the National Cyber Security Awareness Month page to learn more about events occurring during October. Additionally, you can follow the hashtag #NCSAM on social media throughout the month.
National Cyber Security Aawareness Month Week 3 Events
Date: Monday, October 13
Event: C³ Voluntary Program Meeting
Where: San Diego, CA (Sempra Energy Innovation Center)
Details: Join stakeholders from across the cyber community to discuss building a cyber risk management program, using DHS resources, and to learn how organizations of all sizes are using the Cybersecurity Framework. The event will include a panel discussion on using the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Cybersecurity Framework and Department of Homeland Security resources and capabilities. Learn more on the flier.
Date: Wednesday, October 15
Event: National Cyber Security Awareness Month Week 3 Keystone Event
Where: San Diego, CA
Details: In support of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the San Diego Cyber Center Of Excellence (CCOE) is hosting a day of speeches and panel discussions on critical infrastructure and the Internet of Things. There is no cost to attend. For more information and to register, please visit www.octobercybersandiego.eventbrite.com.
Date: Thursday, October 16
Event: Week 3 Twitter Chat: Securing the Internet of Things
Time: Time: 3 p.m. Eastern/12 p.m. Pacific
Details: The Internet of Things – the ability of objects and devices to transfer data – is changing the way we use technology. We'll discuss ways to secure all of your devices that connect to the Internet.
Host: Stop.Think.Connect. (@STOPTHINKCONNECT)
Use #ChatSTC and #NCSAM to join.