Happy October! Happy National Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

Fall is officially here. It’s time for apple-picking, pumpkin carving and choosing Halloween costumes. Did you know that October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (#NCSAM)? The initiative, created by StaySafeOnline.org and National Cyber Security Alliance, started as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources needed to stay safe online. Now, NCSAM reaches consumers, small and medium-size businesses, corporations, educational institutions and young people across the nation.

As stated on the StaySafeOnline.org website, “No individual, business, or government entity is solely responsible for securing the Internet. Everyone has a role in securing their part of cyberspace, including the devices and networks they use. Individual actions have a collective impact and when we use the Internet safely, we make it more secure for everyone. If each of us does our part—implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating young people, training employees—together we will be a digital society safer and more resistant from attacks and more resilient if one occurs.”

At Kaspersky Lab, we couldn’t agree more with the above statement. Each and every day at Kaspersky Lab, we are relentless and obsessed with keeping users safe online, and that is why we support the initiative. NCSAM is a great time of year to reflect on your digital health and to make sure you are doing your part to keep the Internet safe for all.

Throughout the month, we will be bringing you blog posts dedicated to keeping you safer online. To kick off the month, do your part and be a good online citizen, by remembering:

• Safer for me, more secure for all: What you do online has the potential to affect everyone – at home, at work and around the world. Practicing good online habits benefits the global digital community.
• Post only about others as you have them post about you.
• Help the authorities fight cybercrime: Report stolen finances or identities and other cybercrime to http://www.ic3.gov (Internet Crime Complaint Center), the Federal Trade Commission at http://www.onguardonline.gov/file‐complaint.

STOP. Before you use the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.

THINK. Take a moment to be certain the path is clear ahead. Watch for warning signs and consider how your actions online could impact your safety, or your family’s.

CONNECT. Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to safeguard yourself and your computer.

Visit http://www.stopthinkconnect.org for more information.