It’s October and it’s Cyber Security Awareness Month!

Did you know that every year since 2004, the President of the United States of America (USA) and Congress have declared October to be Cybersecurity Awareness Month, helping individuals protect themselves online as threats to technology and confidential data become more commonplace.

This year’s campaign theme — “See Yourself in Cyber” — demonstrates that while cybersecurity may seem like a complex subject, ultimately, it’s really all about people. and everyone is responsible for their own online behaviour. 

Over the years with the increasing use of technology and internet for work and pleasure, the need for cyber security awareness has also grown – many organisations, companies and individuals from all over the world have joined this movement with various efforts to educate people and help them stay safe online.

At CyberSafeKids we deliver education programmes on cyber safety to try to help children, parents, teachers and youth workers navigate the online world in a stronger, smarter and safer way, and so we think it’s important to highlight the importance of October’s Cyber Security Awareness month.

What exactly is Cyber Security and why is it important?

Having a basic understanding of cyber security helps prevent attacks on both the individual and the organisation. We have all heard about high profile attacks in recent years such as the cyber attack on the HSE in May 2021, which further crippled our over burdened healthcare system at the height of the pandemic. A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General states that the cyberattack by a criminal cybergang has cost the HSE almost €100 million so far. The report highlights how the HSE’s network of 70,000 IT devices were monitored for viruses during daytime hours only prior to the attack.

IBM describes  a cyber attack as an “attempt to destroy, expose, alter, disable, steal or gain unauthorised access to or make unauthorised use of anything that has value to the organisation.” According to a UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2022, 39% of businesses identified a cyber attack consistent with findings reported in 2021, with many incidents causing significant damage. Of the 39% of UK businesses who identified an attack, the most common threat was phishing attempts (83%).

What CyberSafeKids will do during Cyber Security Awareness Month?

1. We will keep creating engaging, interesting and educational content on our Social Media channels about Cyber Security throughout October.
2. We are hosting our third annual CyberBreak – a 24 hour detox from all smart devices from 5pm, 21st October, 2022. Click here to sign up now!
3. We will upload useful tips, resources and other interactive materials on our website (cybersafekids.ie) for you to be better equipped for the online word after this Cyber Security Awareness month.

What can I, as a parent, teacher or youth worker do?

1. Test how CyberSafe your family is with our interactive CyberSafe Family Quiz.
   Keep an eye out on our social media channels to take part!
2. ‘Disconnect to reconnect’ Join our CyberBreak 2022 and log off from all internet-enabled devices for 24 hours to spend quality time with your family and friends. Click here to sign up your family and/or school 
3. Share this article with your friends and family to help raise awareness of CyberSecurity.
4. Download our Family Agreement as part of Cyber Security Awareness Month.
5. Follow our social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)  for the latest CyberSecurity updates and most useful tips for parents, teachers and youth workers.
6. Check out our Cyber Academy in collaboration with Trend Micro – a new internet safety series for parents and children aged 7-10 yrs. Every 10mins episode is free, fun to do, and on demand, so it’s ready to go when you are. Topics covered include: Passwords, Two-Factor Authentication, Privacy, Security and Healthy Habits.
   Click here for more info!