Given that public and affordable housing organizations play a critical role in our communities—providing essential services to vulnerable populations—protecting sensitive data and ensuring the integrity of operations is not just a responsibility, but a necessity.
One effective way to build a more robust culture of cybersecurity within your organization is by participating in Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed annually in October. Don't worry; someone has already done the heavy lifting for you by creating a free Cybersecurity Awareness Month toolkit that your organization can leverage to educate employees, partners, and community members.
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 presents a golden opportunity for public and affordable housing organizations to enhance their cybersecurity culture.
This month-long campaign, managed by the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), aims to educate and engage individuals and organizations about the importance of cybersecurity, offering insights into current threats, best practices, and strategies for safeguarding sensitive information.
Last year, NCA released findings of a study involving 3,000 individuals in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. Nearly two-thirds of individuals in the study reported a lack of access to cybersecurity knowledge, stressing the need for education as a fundamental cybersecurity practice for organizations.
By participating in Cybersecurity Awareness Month activities, organizations can empower employees with the knowledge and tools to recognize phishing attempts, secure passwords, and identify suspicious activities. This proactive approach transforms employees into the first and last line of defense against cyber threats.
Regular discussions and educational initiatives help weave cybersecurity into the organizational fabric, making it a natural part of daily operations—this culture shift results in improved decision-making, reduced risk, and enhanced security posture.
Collaborative activities during cybersecurity awareness month offer the chance to build relationships with other organizations, experts, and government agencies in the field. Sharing experiences and knowledge can yield fresh insights and strategies.
Embracing Cybersecurity Awareness Month within your organization is a proactive approach that can cultivate a robust cybersecurity culture.
Sign up for NCA’s free Champion program to receive free Cybersecurity Awareness Month resources for your organization, including:
Seize the opportunity to make cybersecurity awareness a year-round commitment and safeguard your communities in the digital age.
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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.
HAI Group® is a marketing name used to refer to insurers, a producer, and related service providers affiliated through a common mission, management, and governance. Property-casualty insurance and related services are written or provided by Housing Authority Property Insurance, A Mutual Company; Housing Enterprise Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Specialty Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Investment Group, Inc.; and Housing Insurance Services (DBA Housing Insurance Agency Services in NY and MI).