Cybersecurity issues continue to develop in ever-increasing amounts of sophistication, and it is only by educating ourselves that we will be able to protect Internet users from becoming victims of scammers and hackers. Every October, the Department of Homeland Security designates the entire month as National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). “Cyberthreats are increasing in their frequency, scale and sophistication,” deputy secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said. “Each American is a key part of our nation’s first line of defense and in minimizing the impact of cyber attacks.”
There are multiple ways people can be more secure online without having to become an expert in the field. Below are five suggestions for becoming a safer Internet user:
1. Make cybersecurity fun
Some schools are using the awareness month to educate students on keeping their online information safe while still keeping it fun. For example, the University of Alabama at Huntsville is offering multiple opportunities for students to celebrate NCSAM, including a fact-or-fiction game and a password-cracking challenge.
Although not everyone can take part in the college-sponsored activities, there are plenty of other avenues to learn about cybersecurity in a way that does not involve reading through large government PDFs. OnGuardOnline.gov offers free games and video tutorials that cover the gamut of opportunities for cybersecurity pitfalls, such as online shopping websites, mobile apps and phishing scams. Best of all, these games and tutorials are geared toward both adults and kids.
2. Study up
For the past four years, the Department of Homeland Security has sponsored the “Stop.Think.Connect.” campaign as part of NCSAM. The purpose of the campaign is to educate communities about how to make smart online choices.
The campaign’s website includes a three-point checklist of questions to ask yourself before doing anything online. Practicing these steps when using the Internet can help protect users from scammers.
In addition to general tips for Internet use, the Stop.Think.Connect. website also offers materials for specific groups, such as students, older people, small businesses and young professionals.
If you want to go even deeper but do not have a computer science degree, the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team has a list of tips specifically geared toward people without technical knowledge of computers. The list covers everything from dealing with malware to file-sharing risks, all in language that the average person can understand and use.
3. Talk about it
For those with questions or comments about cybersecurity and how it applies to their daily lives, NCSAM is offering a Twitter chat series throughout the month of October. Every Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. EST, users can discuss cybersecurity with a variety of experts just by using the hashtag #ChatSTC.
Featured guests in this year’s Twitter chat include the Identity Theft Resource Center, Norton by Symantec and the Federal Trade Commission.
For those who prefer face-to-face communication, the National Cyber Security Alliance is hosting multiple events around the country on a variety of cyber-related topics. On Oct. 20, the National Cybersecurity Institute in Washington, D.C. will hold its 2015 summit on cyber liability insurance as well as cyber risks. The half-day event will feature a keynote address followed by several smaller sessions and a Q&A opportunity.
4. See something, say something
Part of ensuring cybersecurity is by stopping cybercrime in its tracks. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) helps people file complaints of online fraud against perpetrators. Those who file are asked to fill out specific questions regarding the person or organization that committed fraud, as well as details about how the reporting party was victimized.
For those who are not sure whether something online is a scam or not, IC3 also keeps a list of common scams and schemes, such as the well-known “Nigerian letter” or debt elimination scams.
Reporting cybercrime helps experts warn the public of new schemes that could pose a threat, as well as get justice for the victims.
5. Become a local advocate
Once you have learned how to protect yourself from cybersecurity pitfalls, why not use that knowledge to help keep others safe?
“… We must recognize our shared responsibility to make cyberspace a more secure environment for ourselves and future generations,” the Department of Homeland Security’s webpage on advocacy reads. “There are things you can do right now to protect Americans from online risks by becoming a cybersecurity advocate in your home, office, and community.”
You don’t have to work for a cybersecurity agency to enforce safe practices. Instead, the DHS encourages people to organize trainings for their workplaces, discuss Internet safety with family and friends, and advocate for teaching about cybersecurity in schools.
C-SAVE is a program that empowers volunteers to teach students of all ages about how to stay safe online. Its website offers a 60-minute presentation along with take-home and in-class activities. Although it is not intended to be all-encompassing, C-SAVE’s goal is to give students a basic toolkit to use for their online activities.
This article appears in the Oct. 19 edition of the Washington Examiner magazine.
