computer hackers copy — October is the eighth annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). NCSAM was created by DHS with the belief that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and each individual and organization has a role to play in all making us ultimately safer on the web.

Today’s world is more interconnected than ever before. Everything from online shopping to social networking to providing basic utilities requires the reliability and security of the Internet. Increased interconnectivity has many advantages, but it has also increased the risk of theft, fraud, and abuse to individuals, businesses, communities, and governments.

This month is also the first anniversary of DHS’s Stop.Think.Connect Campaign, an ongoing national public awareness effort to engage and challenge Americans to join practice and promote safe online practices. Cybersecurity experts believe that the greatest security risk is us and with a few simple steps we can all be more aware and safer on the online.

Set strong passwords, and don’t share them with anyone.
Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.
Maintain an open dialogue with your children about Internet safety.
Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.
Be cautious about what you receive or read online — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/20111007-napolitano-michigan-cyber-summit.shtm