October is recognized as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, providing an important opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to enhance their cyber awareness and security practices. While SMBs may not have the same high profile as larger corporations, they are just as vulnerable to cyber threats.
In fact, data from the U.S. National Cyber Security Alliance reveals that 60% of small companies are unable to sustain their business more than six months following a cyberattack. The financial impact of cyberattacks on SMBs is staggering, with the average cost for small businesses to clean up after being hacked reaching $690,000, and for middle-market companies, exceeding $1 million.
To protect their valuable information assets, bank account information, and customer data, SMBs need to develop a robust cyber security strategy. National Cybersecurity Awareness Month presents an opportunity to focus on building cyber awareness within the company and engaging employees in the process.
By aligning communications and training efforts with the themes of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, such as phishing, social engineering, malware and ransomware, data privacy, and information protection, SMBs can effectively educate their employees about cyber security best practices.
Implementing continual learning practices, such as weekly meetings, lunch and learn sessions, or webinars, will reinforce cyber skills development, knowledge building, and cultural change within the organization. Engaging visual resources like posters or online graphics can reinforce key learning points, and incorporating gamification elements like phishing simulations or quizzes can make the learning process more enjoyable.
Encouraging employees to personalize their approach to cyber security by emphasizing the benefits of protecting themselves online, such as preventing identity theft and phishing scams, will foster a sense of individual responsibility. Utilizing videos as an effective tool to convey information quickly and efficiently, whether through free training videos on platforms like YouTube or customized in-house videos, can further enhance cyber security awareness.
Throughout Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it is important to maintain a positive and motivational tone in all messaging and activities. Regular reporting on the progress made during the Cyber Awareness Program will reinforce learning and highlight the value of the activities undertaken by the organization.
Engaging Activities for Cybersecurity Awareness
To make Cybersecurity Awareness Month a success, it’s important to engage employees with activities that promote cybersecurity awareness. Here are some ideas to get you started:
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Host a cybersecurity lunch and learn session: Gather employees to share a meal while learning about cybersecurity best practices.
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Run a cybersecurity meme contest: Encourage employees to create and share humorous yet educational memes related to cybersecurity.
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Create a cybersecurity public service announcement: Raise awareness about common cyber threats and provide tips on staying safe online.
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Produce a cybersecurity-themed video: Share it on social media and other channels to promote key security practices and tips.
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Recruit cybersecurity ambassadors: Appoint representatives from each department to share best practices and discuss cybersecurity topics.
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Create a video answering cybersecurity FAQs: Address employees’ concerns and provide helpful information.
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Use the spotlight of Cybersecurity Awareness Month to launch a new cybersecurity awareness training program: Utilize online modules or in-person workshops.
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Promote cybersecurity awareness on your organization’s website, intranet, and other communication channels to reach a wider audience.
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Encourage your team and the cybersecurity ambassadors to share cybersecurity tips and resources on social media platforms to raise awareness among their networks.
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Challenge employees to write short cyber horror stories that highlight the hair-raising effects of cyber crimes and share them internally.
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Incorporate cybersecurity into the onboarding process for new hires, ensuring they receive training and education from the start.
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Create a cybersecurity-themed escape room or scavenger hunt: Engage employees in a fun and educational activity, whether in person or online.
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Develop a cybersecurity-themed board game or comic book: Provide employees with enjoyable resources during Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
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Create cybersecurity-themed podcast episodes if your organization has a podcast: Share insights and tips on staying secure online.
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Host a cybersecurity-themed webinar or online event: Invite guest speakers to share their expertise on cyber threats and prevention.
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Dedicate blog posts or newsletter articles to cybersecurity topics: Provide informative and relevant content to your audience.
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Develop a cybersecurity-themed toolkit or resource guide for employees to reference best practices, policies, and procedures.
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Assign cybersecurity mentors to new hires: Provide one-on-one support and guidance in navigating cybersecurity practices.
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Integrate cybersecurity awareness into the performance review process: Assess employees’ understanding of and adherence to security protocols.
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Organize a cybersecurity team quiz: Allow employees to test their knowledge and compete with colleagues.
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Host open office hours: Give employees the opportunity to ask cybersecurity-related questions or raise concerns with the security team.
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Collaborate with the canteen to offer cybersecurity-themed menus: Incorporate creative names tied to cybersecurity concepts.
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Encourage employees to take “security selfies”: Showcase good practices like locking screens or using strong passwords.
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Organize a game where participants test their wits against hypothetical hacking challenges: Promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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Share daily cybersecurity tips throughout the month: Keep employees engaged and informed about best practices.
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Conduct live attack simulations: Help employees understand security vulnerabilities and learn how to respond effectively.
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Extend awareness to employees’ families by hosting a drop-in day: Teach their loved ones about setting up personal devices securely.
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Tailor presentations hosted by senior leaders to their respective teams, emphasizing key messages and risks specific to their departments.
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Host interactive sessions showcasing real risks: For example, password cracking or love-themed examples to demonstrate potential vulnerabilities.
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Suggest cybersecurity-related movies or documentaries for employees to watch: Help them identify security issues while enjoying the entertainment.
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Introduce the security team through a video or presentation: Create a more approachable resource for employees.
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Invite guest speakers to share insights on cyber threats and prevention: Provide a fresh perspective and expertise on the subject.
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Organize a dedicated whole day for security awareness: Feature workshops, sessions, and presentations focused on different aspects of cybersecurity.
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Host an open-source intelligence (OSINT) workshop: Educate employees about the risks of oversharing personal information online.
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Conduct myth-busting sessions: Dispel common cybersecurity misconceptions and promote accurate understanding among employees.
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Encourage employees to customize their video call backgrounds with cybersecurity messages and images: Raise awareness during virtual meetings.
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Provide swag items like t-shirts, mugs, or stickers with cybersecurity branding: Create a sense of belonging and enthusiasm.
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Appoint cybersecurity ambassadors from different departments: Help promote awareness and provide support to colleagues.
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Recognize employees’ participation and engagement with badges, certificates, or email signature badges: Highlight their commitment to cybersecurity.
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Design activities that encourage employees to “think like a hacker”: Foster a proactive mindset for identifying vulnerabilities.
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Start a cybersecurity book club: Encourage continuous learning and discussion among employees.
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Create a promotional video featuring staff members sharing why cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility and the importance of staying vigilant.
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Develop games that simulate phishing scenarios: Help employees recognize and respond to phishing attacks effectively.
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Use a storytelling approach with daily themes: Educate employees about different aspects of cybersecurity, such as physical security, phishing, ransomware, and business continuity.
These engaging activities will help raise cybersecurity awareness and promote a culture of security in your organization.
Celebrating National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed every October since 2004, is a collaborative effort between the US government and industry to promote online safety and security among citizens of the United States.
The purpose of this month-long campaign is to educate individuals on how to protect themselves from cyber threats and to encourage organizations to update their security measures proactively.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a reminder to individuals and organizations alike about the evolving nature of technology and cybercrimes. Cyberattacks, such as ransomware attacks, spoofing attacks, and phishing attacks, are increasingly prevalent and pose significant risks to individuals and businesses.
Implementing cybersecurity awareness initiatives during Cybersecurity Awareness Month is crucial to ensure individuals and organizations stay vigilant and informed about potential threats. In the workplace, organizations can take various proactive steps to enhance cyber awareness and security practices among employees.
Understanding the specific cybersecurity needs of employees is important to tailor awareness initiatives effectively. Ensuring that employees are familiar with the company’s cybersecurity policy sets a foundation for a secure work environment. Ongoing training and education programs are essential to reinforce cybersecurity knowledge and skills among employees. Conducting cybersecurity evaluations can help identify weak points and vulnerabilities in systems, networks, protocols, and employee actions. Remote work security should be a focus, and policies related to work-from-home arrangements should be regularly reviewed and updated. Maintaining a secure network environment requires ensuring that all devices connected to the network are secure and that unused applications and subscriptions are deleted and unsubscribed. Emphasize the importance of not sharing system passwords with co-workers to maintain individual accountability and security.
Implementing engaging cybersecurity awareness activities during Cybersecurity Awareness Month can help make learning more entertaining and impactful. Playing cybersecurity jeopardy, hosting seminars or webinars, and organizing hackathons can create interactive learning experiences for employees. Mock phishing drills can raise awareness about the risks of phishing attacks and train employees to identify and report suspicious emails. Bug bounty events incentivize employees to actively contribute to identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in the organization’s systems. Scavenger hunts and interactive games can make cybersecurity learning enjoyable and encourage active participation from employees. Revisiting the breach readiness plan and providing training on how to respond to data breaches help employees understand their role in mitigating cyber risks.
Celebrating Cybersecurity Awareness Month doesn’t require expertise; it requires a commitment to prioritizing security and safeguarding the organization. October provides an excellent opportunity to implement strategies and ideas to strengthen organizational resilience and maintain a strong security posture.
Samuel Atkinson is the founder of Legacy Frameworks, a platform dedicated to revolutionizing urban cycling through the lens of safety and technology. With a background in urban planning and a lifelong love for cycling, Samuel has become a leading voice in advocating for safer city riding practices.