Our Government and Cyber Security

As technology becomes faster and more reliable it raises the question on how secure our technology really is. For this post I really want to look at the political science behind society’s cyber security. But first it’s important to understand questions such as: What is cyber security and why is it important today? However the main topic that I will dive into is regarding the Homeland Security’s program, National Cyber Security Awareness Month 2014.

Cyber security is how we are protected, practices and processes to protect against the criminal use of electronic information. Today technology, specifically the Internet is part of our every day lives. We use it at work, home and even for our own pleasure. Although the Internet is very useful, it also brings many threats and consequences to the playing field. As individuals some of the risks can affect the average person’s lives by compromising their financial information and most of all their privacy. More importantly, as a nation, we face threats that can possibly cripple our nation’s infrastructure and economy. So not only does cyber security affect the average individuals but it clearly can affect the nation as a while. Which is why the article on the National Cyber Security Awareness Month states that cyber security is a “shared responsibility”. The National Cyber Security Awareness Month is designed to educate not only the public about important issues regarding the protection of our internet security but to make it a focus on company and government agendas as well. The steps taken to raise awareness for the nation’s Internet security took place in the month of October and are organized into different sections every couple of days.

Week One (Oct 1-3)

This week focuses on how the average consumer can take the steps to make their Internet more secure as well as inform the consumer how the government is making the effort to “strengthen the security and resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure”.

Week Two (Oct 6-10)

During week two, staff of the department of homeland security will be explaining on how implementing security into modern technology such as cell phones, tablets and computers is important for internet security.

Week Three (Oct 13-17)

Week three will focus on the importance of protecting both the simplest household item that connects to the Internet and the nation’s infrastructure.

Week Four (Oct 20-24)

For week four, attention will be given to business where they will be informaed and educated about what business are able to do to protect their internet security. This will include businesses that are already established as well as business that are on the rise to protect our nation’s future.

Week Five (Oct 27-31)

The last week will focus on law enforcement to educate their communities on ways to protect and prevent online crime.

I found this article interesting because it shares similar views that I have and most importantly that it is both the government and the individuals responsibility to protect, strengthen and hopefully prevent any type of future cyber security threats.

http://www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam/