WIESBADEN, Germany -- U.S. Army Europe Cybersecurity officials want to remind members of the U.S. forces community in Europe that October 2014 marks the 11th annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), and that it's everyone's duty to protect Army information and communications.
Today the Internet is part of everyone's life, every day. But while people routinely use the Internet at work, home, for enjoyment and to connect with friends and family, being constantly connected brings increased risk of theft, fraud, and abuse, said Daniel Hingtgen, chief of Cybersecurity, Policy, Programs and Training for the USAREUR office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications (G6).
No country, industry, community, or individual is immune to cyber risks. As a nation, Hingtgen noted, Americans face constant cyber threats against the nation's critical infrastructure and economy. As individuals, cybersecurity risks can threaten finances, identity and privacy.
"Our reliance on critical infrastructure and the digital technology that operates it makes cybersecurity one of the U.S.'s most important national security priorities, and one in which every American has a role to play," he said. "The slogan 'Cybersecurity is a team effort' underscores that shared responsibility."
During the month USAREUR cybersecurity officials say they plan to engage the Army in Europe community through events and initiatives designed to raise awareness, to educate people about cybersecurity, and to increase the resiliency of cyber infrastructure to prevent or respond to cyber incidents.
Free cybersecurity courses will be offered in communities across USAREUR, officials added, to provide social networking systems awareness and training to Soldiers, DoD civilian employees, contractor employees and family members in the Army in Europe community. Morning sessions will be offered from 9-11 a.m. and afternoon sessions from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the following locations on the dates noted:
• Vicenza, Reel Time Theater (Caserma Ederle), Oct. 20
• Stuttgart, Reel Time Theater (Panzer Kaserne), Oct. 21
• Vilseck, Reel Time Theater (Rose Barracks), Oct. 22
• Wiesbaden, Tony Bass Fitness Center (Clay Kaserne), Oct. 23
• Kaiserslautern, Community Center (Vogelweh Air Base), Oct. 24
USAREUR's cybersecurity experts also recommended some basic year-round cyber security tips:
• Set strong passwords and don't share them with anyone.
• Keep operating systems, browsers, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.
• Maintain an open dialogue with family, friends and community about Internet safety.
• Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy settings to avoid over-sharing.
• Be cautious about what you receive or read online--if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
For more cybersecurity tips, news, and resources highlighting NCSAM, or to post your own links and tips on social media sites, go to http://www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam/get-involved/social-media.
---
About us: U.S. Army Europe is uniquely positioned to advance American strategic interests across Eurasia as U.S. European Command's force of choice and has unparalleled capability to prevent conflict, shape the environment and, if necessary, win decisively. The relationships we build during 1,000 theater security cooperation events in more than 40 countries each year lead directly to support for multinational contingency operations around the world, strengthen regional partnerships, and enhance global security.
Social Sharing