Cyber Security Awareness Month

Cyber Security Awareness Month is an internationally recognized campaign held each October to inform the public of the importance of cyber security. 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 by themes which highlight different aspects of cyber security.

Themes

Week 1: October 1-7, 2018 – Our internet; our cyber security

Cyber Security Awareness Month (CSAM) is underpinned by the idea that the internet is a shared resource, and securing it is our shared responsibility. We will usher in CSAM 2018 with the theme “Our internet: our cyber security”. During week 1, we will highlight the different initiatives, information and programs that are intended to help Canadians and businesses stay safe online.

Also, the official launch of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security is anticipated during the first week of CSAM.

Week 2: October 8-14, 2018 – Buy Secure

The focus of week 2 is “Buy Secure”. When we buy information technology products, too often we overlook the cyber security risks posed from their use. For the Canadian public, the focus will be on the importance of buying devices and apps from reputable sources. For governments and businesses, “Buy Secure” means identifying and mitigating the risk posed by the supply chain of information technology within your networks.

Week 3: October 15-21, 2018 – Our Data is Valuable

Our data — that is, everything from our personal information, to our banking information, personal photos, social media interaction, and work-related files and correspondence — is valuable.  But because it is intangible, it doesn’t always feel that way. The focus of week 3 is to highlight the fact that all Canadians and businesses have data that is valuable to them which also makes it valuable to cybercriminals wishing to exploit it.

Week 4: October 22-28, 2018 – Our critical eye and the internet

The focus of week 4 is on Digital Literacy. According to Media Smarts, Digital Literacy is more than technological know-how; it includes a wide variety of ethical, social and reflective practices that are embedded in work, learning, leisure and daily life. One component of Digital Literacy is the set of skills that help us comprehend, contextualize, and critically evaluate digital media so that we can make informed decisions about what we do and encounter online. The focus of week 4 is building that critical eye that will help Canadians make informed decisions.

Week 5: October 29-31 2018 – Our Future in Cyber Security

According to a recent report by Deloitte, in collaboration with Toronto Financial Services Alliance, “demand for cyber talent in Canada is increasing by 7 percent annually, with organizations needing to fill some 8,000 cybersecurity roles between 2016 and 2021. Week 5 will focus on the activities and initiatives aimed at helping close the cyber talent gap, inspiring young people to pursue careers in cyber security, and recognizing the contributions of those that are dedicated cyber practitioners.

Get Involved

• 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.
• Update your social media cover photos with our Cyber Security Awareness Month images.
• Use hashtags #CSAM and #cybersecurity in your posts.
• Access the Cyber Security Awareness Month Toolkit for blogs, infographics and videos which you can use on your own channels to help promote Cyber Security Awareness Month.
• Watch for details on the opening of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security in October.

For questions or additional information please contact info@Getcybersafe.gc.ca