October is Cyber Security Awareness Month (CSAM), an internationally-recognized, annual educational campaign that aims to raise awareness of cybersecurity threats and promote safe online practices to citizens. Call CyberCat biased, but it is more important than ever for everyone to be cyber aware. Here are some resources that you can use to participate in and promote CSAM to your community.
 
Canada
Device Appreciation Month
 
Get Cyber Safe is lead by the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security on behalf of the Government of Canada. Their campaign this year highlights the ways to protect phones, computers, networks and all those smart devices you have. The topics change weekly and there is a blog, infographics, videos and shareable images for you to promote information to your patrons on either your website or social media.
  • Bookmark Get Cyber Safe and visit regularly for resources, tips and tools.
  • Follow, Like, and Share Get Cyber Safe content on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
  • Use #getcybersafe, #cyber, #cybersecurity in your posts during the month of October.
 
 
United States
Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.
 
In the US, the theme has a snappy tagline and fantastic promotional resources for outreach. The focus is also on securing devices, emphasizing "If You Connect It, Protect It."
 
  • Use National Cybersecurity Alliance's sample social media posts and graphics for quick and easy promotion.
  • Check out all the other ways to Get Involved.
  • Share these tip sheets and presentations.
  • Use and follow #BeCyberSmart and #NCSAM2020.
     
Europe
The European Cyber Security Month website is still advertising its 2019 campaign, but the information is still relevant and fits the themes coming out of North America: having good cyber hygiene and keeping your devices and technology secure. Visit the resources section of their website for access to social media banners, infographics, videos, and other awareness materials.
 
 
CyberCat's Shareables
There is so much easily accessible information online, but don't forget to promote your prized resources too.
 
Learning Mobile Device Security is a one hour Lynda.com course that provides an overview of the risks and best practices, including how to properly dispose of a mobile device.
Webuser is the UK's favorite internet magazine. Not only does it highlight websites, free software and news, it has great tips and tricks to keep yourself safe online. The best part is that your library offers it for free through RBdigital.
 
Consumer Reports is known for their product reviews, but they also compile news articles, how-to videos and buying guides in their Guide to Digital Security and Privacy (just log in through your website first). It's another fantastic and free library resource to promote.
 

CyberCat is your guide through the world of cybersecurity. She knows it can be intimidating out there, so that's why it's her mission to educate you about using technology responsibly. She brings you semi-regular information so you can be proactive about protecting yourself. Don't want to miss an issue?
 
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Acknowledgement
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Yellowhead Regional Library
www.yrl.ab.ca