VICENZA, Italy -- Autumn is the time of year that brings to mind pumpkin spice lattes, candy and trick-or-treating. This month, there is one trick nobody hopes to experience: a breach in cybersecurity.
Observed across the Department of Defense, October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and is designed to raise awareness of cyber risks and educate the community about safe cyber practice.
Daniel Jackson, chief of cybersecurity, 509th Signal Battalion, is leading this year's cyber awareness program across the United States Army Garrison Italy community. The 509th uses this month as an opportunity to educate the community on the threat of cyber-attacks and steps community members can take to secure their networks.
Though the "Small but Mighty" 509th secures the Army's cyber assets throughout the region, cybersecurity is the responsibility of every Department of the Army civilian, Soldier, contractor and family member. The battalion's awareness plan includes a four-phase strategy: leadership awareness, individual awareness, collective Training, and home and family cybersecurity.
The focus for the first half of October was phases I and II; teaching safe and secure practices to our community leaders. In association with U.S. Army Europe, trainers from 509th offered two classes to leaders across the garrison about the importance of cybersecurity and appropriate procedures for mitigating vulnerabilities. Individual awareness included various community events and activities, one of which was hosted at Vicenza High School. At the school, students created and filmed videos related to social media and cell phone security. Videos were judged by 509th Commander Lt. Col. Brent Skinner, and the winning team's video will air on AFN Vicenza and YouTube.
At Vicenza Middle School, students had the opportunity to participate in a poster contest. Students designed and created posters to illustrate the importance of social media and cell phone security. The contest winner receives an AAFES gift card, and the runner-up receives a Certificate of Achievement. Posters will also be displayed throughout the Vicenza Middle School to share the message to students, teachers and families.
Finally, the 509th Cyber Security Team taught community members the importance of securing their smartphones, iPads and laptops by conducting a "simulated wireless scan" of unprotected cellular devices. Scanning devices were set up in front of the Caserma Ederle Post Exchange Oct. 18 to teach community members the importance of securing personal electronic devices. Along with the demonstration, the 509th's Cyber Security Team taught community members how to secure devices and protect against identity theft.
It is critical that everyone know cybersecurity is a team responsibility. Through awareness and education, the entire community can increase readiness by preventing cyber attacks.
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