Since 2004, the White House and Congress have designated October National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This year marks the 20th anniversary of this effort to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and online safety.
How have cybersecurity and malware evolved over the last two decades? What types of threat management tools surfaced and when? The Cybersecurity Awareness Month themes over the years give us a clue.
2004 – 2009: Inaugural year and beyond
This early period emphasized general cybersecurity hygiene, such as using strong passwords, keeping software updated and being cautious about phishing attempts.
For example, in 2005, the National Cybersecurity Alliance emphasized:
Protecting personal information, especially when asked for personal data online
Using anti-virus software, a firewall and anti-spyware
Setting up operating systems and Web browser software properly with regular updates
The use of strong passwords or strong authentication technology
Backing up important files.
2009 – 2018: Our shared responsibility
In 2009, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano inaugurated Cybersecurity Awareness Month at an event in Washington, D.C. At the time, Napolitano was the highest-ranking government official to participate in the campaign’s activities. This period emphasized cybersecurity as a shared responsibility involving individuals, businesses and governments.
2010: STOP. THINK. CONNECT. initiative begins
In 2010, the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. initiative was unveiled at that y ..
Support the originator by clicking the read the rest link below.
