Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an internationally recognized campaign held each October to inform the public of the importance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This campaign is focused on helping all Canadians be more secure online, by being informed and knowing the simple steps to take to protect themselves, their families, their workplace, and their devices. The month is divided in to weekly themes which highlight different aspects of cyber security. This year, we’re focusing on protecting the things we care about most — our devices.
Each week, we’ll be highlighting a different aspect of cyber security, and demonstrating how you can show your devices how important they are to you by keeping them safe and secure.
October 1-3
Week 1: Taking stock
Devices have become an integral part of our lives. In fact, sometimes it’s hard to remember all of the connected devices we use on a daily basis. The first few days of CSAM will focus on taking stock of all of the devices in your life and bidding farewell to those devices that have served you well, but that you might not use anymore.
This week, we’ll take stock of all our devices and remind ourselves why they’re so important to us — and why we need to appreciate them.
You can start by taking stock of your own Cybersecurity Awareness Month knowledge by taking the Get Cyber Safe Assessment Checkup.
October 4-10
Week 2: Phone Week
Your beloved phone. It is one of the last things you see before you fall sleep and one of the first when you wake up. During the COVID-19 pandemic, you have probably spent even more time with your phone than you usually do. Whether you want to connect with your loved ones, knock some things off your work ‘to-do’ list, or just kill time, your phone is there when you need it (except when it runs out of battery, but that’s on you). It’s time to repay your phone for all it has done for you by making sure it’s properly secured.
This week, we will give you key tips you can use to keep your phone — and the information on it — safe and sound, including:
- Updating your OS
- Avoiding smishing scams
- Enabling multi-factor authentication
October 11-17
Week 3: Computer Week
Phones may be like tiny computers in our pockets, but there are some things they still don’t do as well as a good old-fashioned laptop or desktop. Like video games, responding to emails, and work (especially if you’ve been working from home). Let’s reward these important devices with some well-deserved caring.
This week, we’ll show you how to show your computer you care by teaching you to:
- Create complex passphrases
- Prevent against malware
- Avoid phishing scams
October 18-24 | Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Week 4: Network Week
Network devices may not be as flashy as phones or computers. Nobody is waiting in line for the latest router — but they serve an important function— They connect you to everything. Let’s give these unsung heroes their dues by making sure they’re secure against cyber threats.
This week, you’ll learn all about how to:
In celebration of Small Business Week, which is an annual celebration of small and medium-sized businesses across Canada that will also be taking place during this week, we will also feature advice and guidance on Cybersecurity Awareness Month for your small- to medium-sized business.
- Make your work devices work for you: A guide for employee
October 25-31 | Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Week 5: Smart Device Week
If computers are your childhood BFF, then the smart devices around your house are that quirky but lovable friend you make as an adult. Sure, they’re a little weird and unfamiliar, but once you figure out how to work together, you won’t know how you ever lived without them.
This week, we’ll teach you to take care of your TVs, doorbells and other smart devices by:
- Setting up your networks for smart devices
- Changing your privacy settings
- Using IoT at home or your business
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Stay connected
- Bookmark the Get Cyber Safe website and come back regularly for cyber security resources, tips and tools.
- Follow, Like, and Share Get Cyber Safe content on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
- Use #getcybersafe, #cyber, #cybersecurity in your posts during the month of October
- Follow the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security on social and keep up to date with their advice and guidance.
For questions or additional information please contact [email protected]