This October, the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and its Get Cyber Safe national public awareness campaign launch Cyber Security Awareness Month (Cyber Month) with the theme "Step up your cyber fitness".
Cyber fitness is about the ability to identify, react and respond to online threats by taking small and easy steps. This year's Cyber Month incorporates various tips and tools to help keep Canadians digitally safe and maintain their cyber resiliency long after October ends. From basic awareness of cyber threats and best practices, to the most effective tools to defend against cyber criminals, Cyber Month covers it all.
This Cyber Month, organizations and individuals across Canada are encouraged to get involved by using these free resources from Get Cyber Safe. New this year, additional materials are available without themed branding so organizations can tailor their campaigns to their theme of choice.
Throughout the five-week campaign, Cyber Month 2023 will focus on educating Canadians about cyber security best practices and how to maintain them throughout the year. Cyber Month will explore the following weekly themes:
- Week 1: Warmup - The best workouts always begin with a good warmup. We'll lay the groundwork for the rest of Cyber Month, covering topics like:
- common cyber threats
- tools to keep you safe online
- simple steps to practice getting cyber safe
- Week 2: Account workout - Here's where the workout really begins. This week, we'll work up a metaphorical sweat by learning how and why we should:
- use strong and unique passwords and passphrases
- enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- avoid phishing and social engineering scams
- Week 3: Learning self-defence - Beat cyber criminals to the punch by defending your devices! This week is about protecting your devices by:
- using a virtual private network (VPN)
- installing anti-virus software
- securing your home Wi-Fi
- Week 4: Maintaining muscle - Staying cyber fit means keeping on top of your security habits. This week, we'll focus on how you can automate your cyber safety by:
- using a password manager
- enabling automatic updates
- backing up your data
- Week 5: Strength in numbers - Share your motivation with the world! This week, we'll teach you how to be a coach for your family, friends and coworkers with advice on:
- talking about cyber security with older adults
- teaching kids about cyber threats
- helping your office get cyber safe
Also, on October 24th, as a part of Media Literacy Week, Get Cyber Safe is teaming up with MediaSmarts, to present Discover Online Safety, a workshop for older adults. The goal is to equip them with general cyber security knowledge and practices to create strong passwords, download apps safely and avoid online scams.
With champions across the country helping to spread awareness, Canadians will have all the tools at their fingertips to keep their devices safe and secured, and to flex their cyber security muscles. Cyber security is a shared responsibility, so join us in promoting good online habits by participating in Cyber Month.
