This October, the Department of Commerce is proud to participate as a partner in National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) for the second year in a row. NCSAM is an effort from coast to coast to make cyber space safer for everyone, as well as an occasion to educate and engage everyone from the public and private sectors and the American public on cybersecurity issues through events, communications, and outreach activities across the country.

The 15th annual NCSAM will highlight user awareness among consumers, students/academia and businesses. NCSAM 2018 will address specific challenges and identify opportunities for behavioral change. It will also remind everyone that protecting the internet is “Our Shared Responsibility.” In addition, NCSAM 2018 will shine a spotlight on the critical need to build a strong, cyber secure workforce to help ensure families, communities, businesses and the country’s infrastructure are better protected.

People are spending more time online than ever before. The Internet now touches every aspect of our daily lives. By spending more time shopping, banking, accessing social media online, etc., Americans are exposing themselves to cyber threats and the vulnerabilities present in technology and the Internet. We enjoy the conveniences of our digital lives, but these benefits come with risk. Cyber-crime is on the rise—including identity and intellectual property theft, scams, frauds, network intrusions, and financial crimes—and it is essential that all Americans know how to protect themselves and their workplaces while online.

NCSAM is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to equip the American public with the tools and resources they need to stay safe. As a partner in the Department of Homeland Security’s Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign, the Department of Commerce is committed to promoting online safety for everyone.

During NCSAM, we encourage everyone to take steps to create a safer Internet for everyone. Even small actions can make a huge difference in defending from against cyber threats. Here are some simple tips you can follow to keep yourself, your identity, and your information safe online:

• Treat your personal information like money – value it and be cautious about how apps and websites collect it from you.
• Control and limit who can see your information online by checking the privacy and security settings on your accounts and apps.
• Be cautious about what you receive or read online; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Set strong passwords that are unique, long, and complex. Be sure to change them regularly, and don’t share them with anyone.
• Regularly update the software on your Internet-connected devices, including PCs, smartphones, and tablets, to reduce the risk of infection from malware.
• Talk with your family, friends, and community about the importance of Internet safety.

As the primary agency charged with protecting a free and open digital economy, the Department of Commerce, through our National Institute of Standards and Technology, will support the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity.

For additional tips and resources, visit www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect