October is Cybersecurity Month

Introduction

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an international initiative designed to empower individuals to take proactive steps to protect their online security. This year, the theme is “Secure Our World,” emphasizing the importance of safeguarding our personal data and digital interactions amid increasing cyber threats. CUNY is excited to support this global effort in partnership with the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA).

Throughout October, you will receive weekly messages on four key cybersecurity behaviors:

Week 1 – Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager
Week 2 – Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Week 3 – Recognize and Report Phishing
Week 4 – Update your Software

Additional Resources and Tips:

In response to a NCA survey:

• Weekly Infographic to enhance your cybersecurity practices
• US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
• National Cyber Security Alliance (NCA)
• Secure Our World: 4 Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online tip sheet
• Secure Our World: Opportunities Guide
• Cybersecurity Best Practices (CISA)

Facts and Figures:

The National Cybersecurity Alliance 2023 Oh, Behave! report lists the following cybersecurity survey responses:

• 84% of people considered online safety a priority
• Only 38% of people use unique passwords for all their accounts
• About a third of respondents began using a password manager after receiving cyber training
• 79% of respondents were familiar with multifactor authentication and 70% of those who have heard of MFA security measure know how to use it
• Only 36% of people always install software updates when they become available
• 69% of people express confidence in their ability to identify phishing attempts
• 51% of Americans actively report cybercrimes, particularly instances of phishing

Our emails and supporting information are available from the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) page on the CUNY web site. We also provide a growing security resources list on the OUCH! website to read recent security articles or subscribe to the world’s leading, free security awareness newsletter designed for technology users.

If you have any questions about any of this information, please contact your college’s Information Security Manager.