ISPs Celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month with Initiatives, Collaborations
October marks the 11th Annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month and this year’s theme, according to the Department of Homeland Security, is “Our Shared Responsibility.” “Since our way of life depends on critical infrastructure and the digital technology that operates it, cybersecurity is one of our country’s most important national security priorities, and we each have a role to play—cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,” the agency said. While focusing on cybersecurity year-round, major ISPs are doing their part this month to engage their subscribers to raise awareness, educate the public about cybersecurity and increase the resiliency of their cyber infrastructure.
Time Warner Cable launched an employee training initiative this month designed to expand awareness of the cybersecurity resources available to TWC customers. “We want to empower our employees so they can further enhance consumer knowledge and participation in online safety,” a spokeswoman said. As an NCTA member, TWC also supports ongoing education and legislative solutions to address cybersecurity, she said. The trade group has supported cybersecurity bills from Sen Pat Toomey (R-PA), Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) and has drafted with industry partners various measures expected to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure. The group backs public-private partnerships among government and industry to improve safety of broadband networks. Still, more needs to be done, NCTA senior vice president of communications and public affairs Rob Stoddard wrote in a blog post Thurs. “Cybersecurity will remain a top priority of legislators, policy makers, and business leaders for the foreseeable future. And cable will be there to support educational and policy solutions that make sense, and that ensure greater safety and security for all Americans.”
AT&T is the founding member of the National Cyber Security Alliance, the sponsoring organization for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The company’s security team is collaborating with many organizations to share security advice for consumers and businesses, a spokeswoman said. The team is also speaking at several universities and colleges around the country to provide technical education “to the next generation of security professionals,” she said. In addition, the telco launched an employee awareness campaign with several animated videos on cyber threats. AT&T Chief Security Officer Ed Amoroso presented about this campaign at the company’s security conference last month.
October is also the National Bullying Prevention Month, so Cox is focusing on raising awareness about and trying to put an end to cyberbullying. It released a survey that found more than half of teens have witnessed online bullying. The MSO also launched the “Take Charge! of Cyberbullying” pledge to encourage teens and their families to support those targeted by bullies. The MSO is working with Cartoon Network to host four local events throughout the month to help raise awareness, build partnerships and empowers young people to speak up against bullying.
The FCC is doing its part to put a spotlight on Internet safety, holding a cybersecurity tech demonstration and expo in the FCC meeting room October 28. The goal is to give consumers resources about how to protect their information while using connected devices. DHS also planned a series of events this month, including a webinar on Thursday focusing on how industry, government and individuals can work together to ensure cybersecurity is ingrained in IT development. There will also be a “Securing the Internet of Things” Twitter chat on October 16, addressing ways to secure consumer devices. And to wrap up the month of activities, DHS will host a workshop on October 26 on “The Cyber Threat: Addressing the Needs of Law Enforcement” at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual conference.
