Six Actions Cybercitizens can take as part of the National Cyber Security Awareness Month (#NCSAM)

The National Cyber Security Awareness Month (OCT 1-31) organized in joint participation between the public sector partners and the US Government is an opportunity for citizens to better understand  cyber security risks, cyber ethics and to own their part in the  collective responsibility  of making the Internet  a safer place. Reduction of cyber risks will not come about even after large cyber security investments, technology advances, improved laws and the best efforts of law enforcement. It will only occur if cybercitizens use situational awareness and common sense as they go about their digital lives. 

Start now with Six Simple Actions to keep you safe

1. Start a family discussion on cyber risks that every member may face when they connect to the Internet.
2. Audit the security measures on your digital devices. Ensure the antimalware program is updated, the latest operating system (Windows, MAC) patches are applied and each device is password protected using a strong password.
3. Immediately reset passwords to online accounts that are not strong or unique to each service.
4. Self-pledge to think before you post, email or message personal information and pictures that may damage your reputation if widely publicized
5. Keep and offline back-up of data stored on the cloud.
6. And if you are a parent, accept the additional responsibility of understanding cyber risks that your children face, the means to mitigate them and to be their guide to online safety. Get started with my short primer titled "Keeping your child safe online".

Program and participation details for NCSAM are available at the following link www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month