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 Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), 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 NCSA and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA).

During Cybersecurity Awareness Month and every day, it’s important for all New Yorkers to feel safe in their digital space. In 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul released a proclamation designating October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, as well as sharing information to help everyone protect themselves when online.

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: 

Cybersecurity Awareness Month | CISA

Cybersecurity Awareness Month - Stay Safe Online

Poster Contest

Congratulations to the winners of the K-12 "Kids Safe Online" Poster Contest for 2024-2025! 

This contest is designed to encourage young people to use the Internet safely and securely and to craft messages and images that will best resonate with their peers. The contest is open to all public, private or home-schooled students in kindergarten through Grade 12.

Information on entering the 2025-2026 contest will be released in the fall.

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

The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) develops and distributes Cybersecurity Awareness Toolkit materials in support of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Their goal is to promote a consistent message about cyber security education and awareness and provide products for broad distribution. The materials include posters, calendars and other awareness material. To learn more, visit the MS-ISAC website.

Resources

Children/Students

Resources

For additional resources visit our Keeping Kids Safe Online page.

Games and Activities

 

Parents/Educators

 

Business/Government

 

General Public