How companies and organizations are recognizing National Cyber Security Awareness Month
Given its role in protecting computers from viruses and malware, it shouldn't come as a surprise that McAfee is a strong supporter of October's National Cyber Security Awareness Month. The company produced a documentary that will run on NBC affiliate stations this month titled, "H*Commerce: The Business of Hacking You."
The film was directed by Seth Gordon and details the methods and strategies employed by cybercriminals. It includes a profile of Janella Spears, a victim of a $440,000 email scam, one of the worst on record.
Last week, Google's Official Gmail Blog posted five common online password problems and their solutions as part of its effort to raise awareness on cyber security.
Common password mistakes include using the same password across several platforms, using common words ("password," "qwerty," "abc123"), basing passwords on personal data, storing them in unsecured locations and forgetting what your password actually is.
"Creating a new password is often one of the first recommendations you hear when trouble occurs," the post states. "Even a great password can't keep you from being scammed, but setting one that's memorable for you and that's hard for others to guess is a smart security practice since weak passwords can be easily guessed. Below are a few common problems we've seen in the past and suggestions for making your passwords stronger."
The FBI offered its own advice for cyber security. The statement it released is titled, ""No, Your Social Networking 'Friend' Isn't Really in Trouble Overseas," which refers to a phishing scam where a social network's account is compromised and the person's friends are sent messages saying the owner is in danger and needs money.
But even though are hundreds of steps that one can take to ensure better security and protection, the FBI offered up one easy-to-remember, universal rule: "Be careful what you click on."
Both the chairmen of the FTC and the FCC released statements in recognition of National Cyber Security Awareness Month as well.
"The American public increasingly relies on the Internet to create, exchange and receive information, news, education, and entertainment and it is critical that all consumers take precautions to protect their privacy and ensure their well-being online," said FCC Chairman Genachowski. "Consumers should stay alert, recognize the potential risks associated with cyber crimes and take some simple precautions to help reduce their chances of falling victim to scams.”
“The Internet presents many opportunities for information and entertainment, commerce and communication," stated FTC Chairman Leibowitz. "But it also comes with risks, such as viruses, hackers, and online scams. The FTC is committed to protecting consumers by stopping con artists from committing fraud online, working to preserve the privacy of consumers’ sensitive personal information, and educating people on how to use technology safely and securely through sites like OnguardOnline.gov. And, the FTC is committed to working with our sister agency, the FCC, to promote consumer protection in the online marketplace.”
Right before National Cyber Security Awareness Month began the Senate passed Resolution 285 supporting efforts to make the citizens more aware of how to secure the Internet and in support of national Cyber Secuirty Awareness Month.
“Cyber attacks on American infrastructure are very real and happening now,” Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller said. “Imagine the impact on our economy if just one adversary succeeded in attacking and crippling a critical cyber network. Make no mistake, Cybersecurity Awareness Month isn’t just about heightening awareness, it’s about taking key steps toward protecting our economic security. This can only be achieved through coordination between public and private interests and the establishment of proper safeguards that protect us all.”
Launched in 2001, National Cyber Security Awareness Month is a public awareness effort to encourage internet users in both the public and private sectors to protect their computers and the country's cyber infrastructure. It is supported by the National Cyber Security Alliance and several other organizations, both government and private.