Embrace Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Engaging Strategies for Public and Affordable Housing Organizations

Public and affordable housing organizations play a crucial role in our communities by delivering essential services to vulnerable populations. Therefore, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring the integrity of your operations is not just a responsibility—it’s a necessity. Participating in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed annually in October, is an effective way to foster a robust cybersecurity culture within your organization.

The Importance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, becoming more sophisticated and targeted. This dynamic landscape demands a proactive approach to security that goes beyond technical measures. It requires a workforce that is well-versed in the latest cybersecurity protocols and empowered with the knowledge to identify and respond to potential threats.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month, launched in 2004, presents a golden opportunity for public and affordable housing organizations to enhance their cybersecurity culture. Managed by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), this month-long campaign aims to educate and engage individuals and organizations about the importance of cybersecurity. It offers insights into current threats, best practices, and strategies for safeguarding sensitive information.

2024 Key Messages

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strengthen security by requiring additional verification steps.

• Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager: Protect accounts with complex, unique passwords and store them securely.

• Update Your Software: Keep your systems up-to-date to defend against vulnerabilities.

• Recognize and Report Phishing Attacks: Learn to identify suspicious emails and report them promptly.

Why participate in Cybersecurity Awareness Month?

According to a recent study by the NCA involving 6,000 individuals in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, nearly half of the participants reported having 10 or more sensitive online accounts, with 15% losing count. Surprisingly, 40% felt frustrated with online security, and 37% felt intimidated by it. Yet, only 26% had access to and utilized cybersecurity training, while two-thirds had no access at all.

By engaging in Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities, organizations can empower employees with the knowledge and tools to recognize phishing attempts, secure their passwords, and identify suspicious activities. This proactive approach transforms employees into a human firewall—the first and last line of defense against cyber threats.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month ideas for housing organizations

Navigating the start of a cybersecurity awareness initiative can feel overwhelming, especially when considering the gravity of protecting sensitive information. With so many aspects to cover and limited resources, it's challenging to determine where to begin and how to make a meaningful impact.

Fortunately, Cybersecurity Awareness Month offers a structured opportunity to enhance your organization’s security posture. By implementing engaging and practical strategies, you can effectively raise awareness and build a strong cybersecurity culture within your organization.

Here are some innovative ideas to kickstart your efforts and make a significant impact:

1. Create a Cybersecurity Public Service Announcement (PSA): Develop a PSA to raise awareness about cybersecurity threats and best practices. Share it through your website, social media, and community channels.

2. Produce a Cybersecurity-Themed Video: Create an engaging video highlighting key cybersecurity tips and distribute it across your social media platforms and other communication channels.

3. Challenge with Cyber Horror Stories: October’s spooky season is the perfect time to encourage people to write short cyber horror stories that illustrate the hair-raising effects of cyber crimes. Share these stories to raise awareness and spark conversations.

4. Organize a Cybersecurity-Themed Escape Room: Host an escape room challenge where teams solve cybersecurity puzzles to win a prize for the fastest completion time.

5. Host a Cybersecurity Scavenger Hunt: Organize a scavenger hunt with cybersecurity-themed clues. This can be done in person or online to accommodate multiple locations or remote workers.

6. Test Wits with a Hacking Challenge: Set up a simulated hacking scenario where participants test their skills and problem-solving abilities.

7. Share Daily Cybersecurity Tips: Provide your team with a daily cybersecurity tip throughout the month to keep security top of mind.

8. Dedicate a Whole Day to Security Awareness: Organize a full day of workshops, sessions, and presentations focused on various aspects of cybersecurity.

9. Encourage Customized Video Call Backgrounds: Motivate employees to personalize their video call backgrounds with cybersecurity messages and images.

10. Distribute Cybersecurity Swag: Provide t-shirts, mugs, stickers, and other branded items to create a sense of belonging and enthusiasm among your team.

11. Host Workshops and Training Sessions: Organize workshops covering topics such as identifying phishing emails, creating strong passwords, securing personal devices, and practicing safe online behavior. Invite cybersecurity experts to share their insights.

12. Cybersecurity Challenges and Competitions: Host friendly competitions that test employees' cybersecurity knowledge and skills. This interactive approach can make learning engaging and memorable.

13. Arrange Webinars and Guest Speakers: Feature webinars with guest speakers who can share real-world experiences and case studies related to cybersecurity incidents. This provides valuable context and practical lessons.

14. Facilitate Information Sharing Sessions: Encourage employees to share their experiences or concerns about cybersecurity. This open dialogue can foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Bottom Line: Be a Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champion

Embracing Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a proactive step that can foster a robust cybersecurity culture within your organization. Sign up for the NCA’s free Champion program to receive resources like toolkits, sample social media posts, infographics, and more to support your efforts.

Seize the opportunity to make cybersecurity awareness a year-round commitment and safeguard your communities in the digital age. Leverage these resources to enhance your cybersecurity practices and ensure a safer digital environment for your organization and the communities you serve.

Free cybersecurity resources from HAI Group and beyond:

HAI Group Cybersecurity Center

HAI Group Online Training Cybersecurity Courses (free for HAI Group members)

HAI Group Cyber Defenders Game

National Cybersecurity Alliance Tips for Businesses 

Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center Membership Benefits (free and open to public housing organizations)

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

Center of Internet Security 

This article is for general information only. HAI Group makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy or applicability of this information for any particular use or circumstance. Your use of this information is at your own discretion and risk. HAI Group and any author or contributor identified herein assume no responsibility for your use of this information. You should consult with your attorney or subject matter advisor before adopting any risk management strategy or policy.