National Computer Security Day

National Computer Security Day is observed in the United States on November 30 each year to raise awareness of the growing number of cyber threats. As we use electronic devices daily, communicate on social media, and shop online, attackers constantly seek to access our data and cause harm. Don’t miss this important date—check out the events that take place to celebrate it!

History

National Computer Security Day was established in 1988 by a Special Interest Group to remind people to safeguard their systems before the busy holiday season, when security can be overlooked. In 2003, the modern cybersecurity framework began to take shape, and in 2004 the MyDoom computer virus caused an estimated $38.5 billion in damage. MyDoom infiltrated computers, rewrote code to suit its purposes, and slowed internet speeds, with many users initially blaming their providers. It spread via infected emails and participated in large-scale denial-of-service attacks. Another notorious worm, ILOVEYOU, worked similarly—recipients unwittingly opened malicious attachments at a time when phishing awareness was low, leading to widespread system shutdowns. Fortunately, major email-based virus outbreaks have been rare since 2019, thanks to improved antivirus defenses.

Interesting Facts

• Kevin Mitnick, once dubbed “the world’s most wanted hacker,” served eight months in prison for illegally accessing a payphone modem linked to sensitive systems.
• An FBI director once remarked that filling cybercrime specialist vacancies was challenging due to misconceptions about the field and concerns over applicants’ backgrounds.

How to Take Part

To celebrate National Computer Security Day, learn more about cybersecurity best practices and share them with friends and family—especially older adults. Look for local events, workshops, or webinars, and join in to stay informed and protected.

When is National Computer Security Day in 2025?

National Computer Security Day is observed on November 30 each year.

Observations