Two Decades of Cybersecurity Awareness Month
What comes to your mind when you think about the early 2000s? Back in 2003, were you listening to Beyoncé’s debut album, “Dangerously in Love” on your iPod? Settling in to read The Da Vinci Code? Perhaps you remember heading to the movies to catch the first Pirates of the Caribbean, the second Matrix, or the third Lord of the Rings?
While these occurrences hold significant cultural value, this period also marked a change in how we view cybersecurity.
In 2003, October was officially declared Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM), with the aim of empowering individuals and companies with the knowledge and tools for a safe online experience. This initiative came to fruition due to a joint effort between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance.
This year marks the 20th annual CSAM. So, let’s reflect on how the industry has changed in the last two decades.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month is almost here! We are looking forward to another great year of partnership with @DHSgov and @CISAgov to kick off #CyberMonth and promote best practices in cyber! #BeCyberSmart pic.twitter.com/y8x4CnWH9r
— NSA Cyber (@NSACyber) September 30, 2023
History of Cybersecurity Awareness Month
The early 21st century witnessed the significant evolution of many digital technologies, leading to a subsequent evolution of the complexity and frequency of cyber threats. The early years marked an increase in advanced persistent threats (APTs), often orchestrated by nation-states. This new breed of cybercrime unleashed destructive viruses and worms that wreaked havoc on vital sectors of the global digital infrastructure. Recognizing the escalating risks, government and industry leaders initiated a combined effort to elevate cybersecurity education.
With the multifaceted nature of cyber threats, there was a critical need for cyber knowledge that could not be attained in a day. A more sustained approach was needed to adequately prepare organizations and the general public for the evolving cyber landscape. The CSAM initiative aimed to heighten awareness about the many cyber risks and enhance readiness across various sectors.
Evolution of cybersecurity awareness
October shines a spotlight on the dynamic world of cybersecurity, emphasizing how threats have evolved over time. For example, once obscure darknet markets have now become hotspots for trading stolen financial data. This shift in attacker focus necessitates continual user education by cybersecurity professionals. Recently, phishing and ransomware have become rampant, with approximately 91% of successful cyberattacks originating from phishing emails. These attacks jeopardize individual users along with critical enterprise services and infrastructure.
Additionally, research found that as of 2023, 72% of global businesses have fallen victim to ransomware attacks. This percentage marks a significant rise compared to data from the last five years. CSAM regularly updates its guidance and toolkits to counter these evolving threats. The initiative remains committed to adapting its resources to tackle emerging cybersecurity challenges.
Figure: Annual share of organizations affected by ransomware attacks worldwide from 2018 to 2023
Code Red was founded over two decades ago, and we have witnessed a steady increase in cybersecurity awareness during that time. Our expertise ensures our clients navigate through these changes and stay up to date with the latest news. We help our clients engage in meaningful conversations across the industry through rapid response and thought leadership opportunities. While cybersecurity is now a board-level issue, much more must be done to keep the adversaries at bay.
Check out our the next blog below, where we discuss moving from cybersecurity awareness to education. And for more cybersecurity news, insights and analysis, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
