About

Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which is observed every October, was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online. 

Since its original inception under leadership from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), Cybersecurity Awareness Month has grown exponentially, reaching consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, corporations, educational institutions and young people across the nation.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to build momentum and impact co-led by NCA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA).

There are many ways to keep your data protected, but starting with the basics makes a huge difference. Focus on the following key behaviors:

For more information of how to get involved, visit the CISA and NCA resource websites: 

Download the 2025 Cybersecurity Toolkit

Poster Contest

The NYS Office of Information Technology Services' Chief Information Security Office (ITS CISO) is conducting a kindergarten through 12th grade computer safety contest.

The goal of the contest is to engage young people in thinking about cybersecurity through the creation of posters that will encourage their peers to use the Internet safely and securely.

We encourage teachers to use this contest as one way to begin addressing cybersecurity and online safety issues in the classroom. For information and resources about cybersecurity issues visit the Kids Safe Online webpage.

Toolkit

Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of the following resources and use the information to promote cybersecurity awareness.

New York State Cybersecurity Awareness Puzzles

 

Resources

Children/Students

Resources

For additional resources visit our Keeping Kids Safe Online page.

Games and Activities

 

Parents/Educators

 

Business/Government

 

General Public