(Mission Times Courier, San Diego, Ca) -  October is the 9th annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month, sponsored by the United States Department of Homeland Security, National Cyber Security Division (DHS/NCSD), in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC).  This year’s theme is “Our Shared Responsibility” – for all computer users to take steps to protect their portion of cyberspace and stay safe online.

There are educational events taking place across the United States in support of Cyber Security Awareness.  In addition to events nationwide, there will be events locally in San Diego to help make people aware of how to prevent cyber crimes, such as identity theft, and what to do if you think you are a victim.  The purpose of having a month dedicated to Cyber Security Awareness, is to educate citizens about the potential dangers using the Internet and Email, and the simple steps that can be taken to protect yourself and our local businesses from cyber attacks, fraud, identity theft, and other malicious computer activities.

 Crime prevention tips can be viewed on the San Diego Police Department’s website at http://www.sandiego.gov/police/prevention/tips. In addition, the City’s Department of Information Technology has information and links related to cyber security at http://www.sandiego.gov/doit/services/cybersecurity.  From October 5th through 16th (during normal business hours), there will be a Cyber Security Awareness display at the City Administration Building lobby, 202 C Street, in downtown San Diego, with helpful brochures and information about prevention of, response to, and recovery from cyber crime.

As with other types of emergency preparedness, the better educated and prepared the public and businesses are regarding cyber security, the better the chances for preventing it and limiting the potential damage that may occur.  Everyone is encouraged to take the steps to protect themselves, our local businesses, and our government infrastructure as part of Our Shared Responsibility to keep cyberspace as secure as possible.

By Officer Christina Burhans, SDPD, Eastern Division