DIR Announces October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October 1, 2021
Cybersecurity News
DIR News
AUSTIN-- October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) will be hosting events throughout the month to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.

While cybersecurity is always important, we recognize October as the month to focus on reminding everyone about practices to ensure they stay safe online,” said Nancy Rainosek, chief information security officer for the State of Texas. We all have the power to prevent security incidents and better protect ourselves and our organizations by implementing strong security practices and following good cyber hygiene.” 

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a national event which started in 2003.  It is sponsored by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA). This year’s theme is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation formally recognizing October as cybersecurity awareness month in Texas.  

DIR will be hosting weekly webinars and partnering with other agencies on cybersecurity awareness events including:  

  • October 29: Cyber Fire Fight: Internet of Things (IoTs) hosted by HHSC. 

 

Students can also participate in several competitions including 

  • The fourthannual Cybersecurity Awareness Public Service Announcement (PSA) competition open to all Texas high school students grades 9th through 12th. Videos can be submitted until Friday, October 22, 2021, at 11:59pm CST.  #2021TXPSA 

  • The inaugural Cyber Threat Defender (CTD) Card Design Contest for Cybersecurity Month hosted by the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security. The winning card will be added to a future booster pack. Submissions are open between October 1 through October 25, 2021  

For more information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month and events, visit: https://dir.texas.gov/information-security/cybersecurity-awareness-month  

 

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