Skip to content

Logo for National Cybersecurity Awareness MonthNational Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is a month that helps raise awareness and highlight the importance of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity and Information Security overlaps with almost everything we do and every technology we use. NCSAM was started in 2004 by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The creation of NCSAM was to help Americans be secure online. The month raises awareness for security and emphasizes both companies and individuals on how to protect themselves.

Over the years, NCSA and the DHS have put on joint events around many states for NCSAM. In the past events with panels of information security professionals have been done as well as talks and presentations. They have even done some summits around the states and webinars for all to join. This year they have panels, and presentations all around the country, including Washington, D.C. These events have had growing popularity each year and have had some high ranking and nationally recognized officials make appearances at these events.

Each year there are different themes. The themes are meant to emphasize a particular change in behavior that would help everyone be safer online. This year the theme is, “Own It, Secure It, Protect It”. The goal for this year's theme is to draw attention to careers in information security and to encourage accountability. Each week of the month will focus on a different area of the theme. The “own it” part of the theme is to have people take ownership of their data. Most people don’t realize how much private information is going out on the web. “Secure it”, is for having strong passphrases and avoiding scams and phishing. “Protect it” is being proactive with your information after it is out there. Being active in knowing where and who has your data, and how to keep it protected.

Here at GWU, we are involved with NCSAM by spreading awareness through the university and by hosting our own events. We have events like meet and greets with the Information Security team, Cybersecurity Jeopardy, webinars, and presentations throughout the month of October. If you want to attend any events or have a chance at winning some of our excellent prizes this year, check out the event calendar here, http://go.gwu.edu/ncsam2019.