October 2016 is European Cyber Security Month and will bring plenty of opportunities for people to discover how to stay safe online and play an active role in their own security.
October 2016 is European Cyber Security Month and this year October will bring plenty of opportunities for people to discover how to stay safe online and play an active role in their own security. Throughout European Cyber Security Month – which kicks-off today in Brussels - over 300 activities, including events, training sessions, tips and an online quiz, will take place across 27 countries. This year's Cyber Security Month will focus on security in banking, cyber safety, cyber training and mobile malware.
At the launch event, taking place at the European Banking Federation premises, representatives from the EU public sector, national co-ordination teams and the banking industry will give insights into their month long campaigns. Leading IT security specialists will also discuss topics related to the themes running during each week of Cyber Security Month: security in banking, cyber safety, cyber training and mobile malware.
The Cyber Security Month is a key part of the EU's Cybersecurity Strategy to increase people's awareness of the key role they can play in ensuring the security of networks and information systems. The 2016 campaign kicks-off in an important year for cybersecurity in the EU, marked by the adoption of Directive on security of network and information systems (NIS Directive) and the launch of the public-private partnership on cybersecurity.
Vice President Andrus Ansip, in charge of the Digital Single Market, said: "We are working to build an online environment where all Europeans have access to the products and services that they want. Trust and security are essential to the digital single market, which the Cyber Security Month will again reinforce”.
Commissioner Günther H. Oettinger, in charge of the Digital Economy and Society, said: "Europeans need to be aware that each and every one of us can contribute towards a more secure online environment. Cyber Security Month is an excellent opportunity to advance our skills and cyber awareness. I urge everyone to get involved!”
ENISA’s Executive Director, Prof. Udo Helmbrecht, said: “the digitization of services and industry stresses the need for both business and citizens to be aware of their online surroundings and highlights the added value of cybersecurity. The European Cyber Security campaign brings together our excellent NIS community and experts with everyday users and businesses, raising awareness on trending issues in the digital world and informing users about available resources. To make the best of the continuously smart and digitised services, we need to behave in a smart manner when going online: Stop. Think. Connect.”
Happening during #CyberSecMonth
The ECSM runs for the entire month of October in Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Greece, the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Ireland, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Finland, Sweden, Austria, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Norway, Iceland, Croatia and Turkey. Each week the focus is on a different topic:
- 1st week – October 3-7: Cyber security in Banking
- 2nd week – October 10-14: Cyber Safety
- 3rd week – October 17-21: Cyber Training
- 4th week – October 24-28: Mobile Malware
During the month, ENISA and the Commission will be publishing reports, organising events and activities centred around these themes. Events will focus on training, strategy summits, general presentations to users and online quizzes. To find out more about what is happening in your city check the interactive map! The campaign also has an international reach: discover the U.S. campaign here.
Extra tip: Don’t forget to look into the 2016 Cyber Security Challenge coming up in November in Dusseldorf, where ten teams from Europe will compete on their cyber-attack and defence skills!
On the enhanced ECSM website users can find infographics, tips and advice in 23 languages, posters and awareness raising material, a list of cybersecurity courses and more. This year’s novelties include the updated online cybersecurity quiz in all EU 23 languages. In addition, users can find on the dedicated website a repository of the ECSM coordinators from each Member State.
The Cyber Security Month is organised by the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA), the European Commission and over 300 partners (local authorities, governments, universities, think tanks, NGOs, professional associations) from all over Europe.This year ENISA has also partnered up with Europol, the European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) and the European Banking Federation to raise awareness of security in banking and mobile malware among the wider public.
ENISA thanks its institutional partners Europol EC3, the European Banking Federation and all partners for their active involvement and collaboration in the European Cyber Security Month.
"Cyber security is a shared responsibility – Stop. Think. Connect." Follow the campaign on Twitter #CyberSecMonth, #OctoberNIS, #CyberAware
Related material:
Digital Single Market Strategy
Cybersecurity in the DSM
European Cyber Security Month Video (2016)
Cyber security Ambassador stories
European Cyber Security Challenge
For full list of partners visit cybersecuritymonth.eu
