October 2017: Information Security Is Our Responsibility

For more than a decade, colleges and universities have promoted National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) each October as part of a collaborative effort to ensure that everyone has the resources they need to stay safe online. In honor of NCSAM — and because information security is everyone’s responsibility — we offer the following tips to share with your campus community.

Get the Word Out

Newsletter or Website Content

Did you know? According to a 2016 Raytheon survey [http://www.raytheoncyber.com/news/feature/ncsam_iis.html], 86 percent of young adults think that keeping the Internet safe and secure is a responsibility we all share — up 4 points from 82 percent in 2015.

As digital citizens, we are getting better about consistently protecting ourselves, our devices, and our family and friends. However, the Internet is always "on," so we must remain vigilant and continue to connect with care in order to protect our mobile devices — including laptops, tablets, smartphones, and wearable technology — as well as our personal information.

• Protect your device. Add a passcode to your cell phone, tablet, or laptop right now!
• Use strong passwords or passphrases. Especially for online banking and other important accounts.
• Enable multifactor authentication. Wherever possible, enable multifactor authentication, which helps secure your accounts by requiring hardware or biometrics in addition to your password.
• Check your social media settings. Review your social media security and privacy settings frequently. Enable two-step verification whenever possible.
• Educate yourself. Stay informed about the latest technology trends and security issues such as malware and phishing.
• Get trained. Contact your institution’s IT, information security, or privacy office for additional resources and training opportunities.

Source: STOP. THINK. CONNECT. NCSAM [https://staysafeonline.org/resource/learn-basics-online-safety-national-cyber-security-awareness-month-infographic/]

Figure 1. Use this image to support your message.

Social Posts

Note: These are Twitter-ready, meeting the 140-character length restriction.

• October is National #CyberSecurity Awareness Month! Join us in creating a culture of #cybersecurity: [link to your NCSAM page or https://staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/] [archived link: https://staysafeonline.org/ncsam/] #CyberAware
• Keeping the Internet safe & secure is our shared responsibility. You can make a difference this #CyberAware Month: https://staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/ [archived link: https://staysafeonline.org/ncsam/]
• Happy #CyberAware Month! We believe that #cybersecurity is our shared responsibility: https://staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/ [archived link: https://staysafeonline.org/ncsam/]
• Staying safer and more secure #online starts with @STOPTHNKCONNECT. Find basic tips here: https://www.stopthinkconnect.org/tips-advice #CyberAware
• We rely heavily on #mobile devices! Keep your’s secure with these safety tips: https://www.stopthinkconnect.org/tips-advice/safety-tips-for-mobile-devices #CyberAware
• Keep a clean machine! Having the latest #security software & operating system is the best defense against #cyber threats. #CyberAware
• Own your #online presence! Actively manage #privacy & #security settings to control who sees your online posts. #CyberAware #PrivacyAware
• Personal information is like money. Value it. #Protect it. More #privacy tips here: http://staysafeonline.org/data-privacy-day/privacy-tips/ #CyberAware #PrivacyAware

Tip: NCSA provides sample social media posts in August or September each year so you can schedule lots of security awareness tips and advice in advance of NCSAM in October. Or, simply follow @StaySafeOnline, @STOPTHINKCONNECT, or #CyberAware and retweet during NCSAM and the months leading up to it.

E-Mail Signature

Ask staff members to add a tip to their e-mail signature block and a link to your institution’s information security page.

Embed or Share Videos

Don't be a Billy: What NOT to do online (2:54 min)

How to keep your login safe (1:00 min)

Resources

Share these resources with end users or use them to inform your awareness strategy.

• Use the free National Cyber Security Alliance Basics of Online Safety infographic (see figure 1).
• Share the brief educational videos above.
• Practice good online safety habits with tips and advice from STOP. THINK. CONNECT.
• Learn more about the Lock Down Your Login campaign.
• Get involved with StaySafeOnline.org.
• See what EDUCAUSE and other institutions are planning for NCSAM.
• Stay informed with the monthly SANS OUCH! security awareness newsletter.

Brought to you by the Awareness and Training Working Group of the EDUCAUSE Higher Education Information Security Council (HEISC).