National Cyber Security Awareness Month

National Cyber Security Awareness Month takes place every October and highlights the importance of staying safe online. The internet has become a crucial part of daily life; it’s hard to imagine a day without social networks, news, photos, and online communication. Fifty years ago, cybersecurity was not even a concept, but today, its importance continues to grow.

History

National Cyber Security Awareness Month was established in 2004 by several American organizations, including CISA and the NCSA. That year, the world started to recognize the serious risks of cyber threats, as hackers began targeting a variety of resources and engaging in illegal activities—a problem that persists today. The first theme of the month was “Our Shared Responsibility,” and since then, new issues such as ransomware, phishing, and data breaches have taken center stage. In 2019, it was estimated that over 5 billion accounts were stolen. Every year, scammers develop new tactics, while organizations work hard to keep up. Even if most people don’t know all the details of cybersecurity, everyone should learn the basics of staying safe online.

Interesting Facts

• Global losses from cybercrime reached $6 trillion in 2021.
• There were around 6 million cyber attackers in 2022.
• Some hackers focus on finding software vulnerabilities and reporting them to developers rather than stealing data.
• North Korea is the only country where the internet is restricted to top government officials.

How to Take Part

How you spend this month is up to you! We recommend updating old passwords (and making sure they are unique), installing a reliable antivirus program, and scanning your computer, phone, or tablet. Learn about the benefits of two-factor authentication, how to recognize suspicious emails, and avoid clicking unverified links.

When is National Cyber Security Awareness Month in 2025?

National Cyber Security Awareness Month is observed throughout October each year.

Observations