Cyber Security: Make it a Habit
Celebrate National Cyber Security Awareness Month by learning how to be safer online.
Protection against online scams and other cybercrimes has improved considerably in recent years, thanks to technology advances, new laws, strengthened law enforcement and growing public awareness.
New risks are always emerging, however, as people find more uses for the Internet. For example, social networking sites enable people to meet and share their interests in powerful ways, but participants need to be careful about exchanging files or disclosing personal information to strangers, no matter how amiable they may seem.
A recent national survey sponsored by CA Incorporated and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) found that 83 percent of adults who engage in online social networking have downloaded unknown files, which may expose their PC to attack.
Even in more traditional online activities such as reading e-mail, many people still do not take the basic precautions needed to protect against familiar threats such as computer viruses, hacker attacks and Internet fraud. According to another survey co-sponsored by NCSA, 80 percent of U.S. consumers do not properly secure their computers, leaving their financial and other personal information vulnerable to identity thieves.
Just as automobile drivers – especially younger drivers – need to learn the rules of the road and how to watch for unexpected hazards, we all need knowledge and awareness to help us develop safe driving habits on the information superhighway.
That’s part of the reason why NCSA — a nonprofit, public-private partnership — has designated October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month — part of a broad, nationwide campaign to educate Internet users of all ages about safe and secure online practices. This year’s theme is “Cyber Security. Make it a Habit.”
Specifically, the goal is to encourage the public to take a few precautions:
| • | Install a firewall; |
| • | Regularly update operating systems and security software; |
| • | Install antivirus and anti-spyware programs; and |
| • | Use strong passwords. |
“We are asking the public to be more conscientious and diligent about cyber security,” says Ron Teixeira, executive director of NCSA. “Research shows that although people know about online threats and preventive measures, many are simply not taking simple steps to stay safe online. We are asking people to ‘Make Cyber Security a Habit’ as part of their regular computer routine.”
National Cyber Security Awareness Month includes many special events designed for home users, small businesses and the education community. Throughout the year, NCSA works with industry partners, including Microsoft, to spread the word about online safety.
Microsoft works for online safety through technical innovation, collaboration with industry and government, and consumer education programs such as the Get Net Safe series of Internet safety seminars being held in cities across the nation. We are proud to support the efforts of NCSA — and many other organizations and partnerships — all working to make the Internet safer for everyone.
