National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2020

2020 National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) marks the 17th year that a commitment to cybersecurity awareness has claimed national attention for a month. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) teams up with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) every October to provide Americans with more resources and education to stay safe online. This year’s theme, “Do Your Part. Be #CyberSmart” is promoted all month. Here’s what you need to know to get involved and use these events for cybersecurity professional development.

Cybersecurity Month Schedule 2020

During the month of October, CISA and NCSA have created themes for each week of education. The schedule is as follows:

• October 1 and 2: Official NCSAM Kick-off
• Week of October 5 (Week 1): If You Connect It, Protect It
• Week of October 12 (Week 2): Securing Devices at Home and Work
• Week of October 19 (Week 3): Securing Internet-Connected Devices in Healthcare
• Week of October 26 (Week 4): The Future of Connected Devices

These themes not only help us stay safe online today but help us explore the cybersecurity needs of the immediate future. That’s why these are great opportunities for any career changer considering a job in cybersecurity. Get to know the industry and learn best practices at the same time!

Cybersecurity Month 2020 Resources & Webinars

NCSA has regular free webinars and online events scheduled to share information with the general public. Topics for the first few weeks of October include healthcare cybersecurity, digital hygiene and personal device security, tips to avoid threats, and insights about business cybersecurity. CISA created cybersecurity tips that are available year-round and address many common cybersecurity risks and needs. These include online privacy, social media security, cybersecurity while traveling, password security, and more. CISA also offers materials for anyone interested in learning about the details of cybersecurity at their own pace, or who wants to share information with others. These resources cover topics like:

• Telework Cybersecurity Guidance and Best Practices
• Election Security and Disinformation Protections
• National Risk Management (5G, Electromagnetic Pulses, Pipeline Cybersecurity, and more)

These comprehensive resources represent just some of the in-depth cybersecurity information that is available to anyone thanks to National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. CISA even takes requests to provide subject matter experts that will attend your own cybersecurity awareness event.  

Cybersecurity Career Options Revealed by Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Does it seem like there’s a lot to learn, too much to cover in a month? All these events and topics reveal just how critical cybersecurity has become. Individuals using the Web to shop and connect with their loved ones; health systems using technology to provide patient care; even our elections, energy, and water all rely today on cybersecurity. Exploring these events isn’t just an opportunity to learn how to Do Your Part, Be #cybersmart, but also a chance to figure out which aspects of cybersecurity interest you most as a career. Eleven Fifty Academy invites you to take advantage of cybersecurity career training many Indiana residents have used to achieve lucrative and fulfilling jobs. Our Free Intro to Cybersecurity workshop is a virtual two hour class that gives you the opportunity to learn the basics of cyber security, the most common cyber attack scenarios, top certifications needed to break into the field, and what it’s like to train on a world-class cyber range in our cyber security bootcamp. Sign up now and make the most of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by joining the industry and protecting others.