The European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM) is the EU’s annual campaign dedicated to promoting cybersecurity among citizens and organisations, and to providing up-to-date online security information through awareness raising and sharing of good practices. Since the first event in 2012, the European Cybersecurity Month has been reaching its key priorities by bringing together parties from across Europe under the slogan „Cybersecurity is a Shared Responsibility” to unite against cyber threats. The ECSM campaign is coordinated by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the European Commission, and supported by EU Member States and hundreds of partners (governments, universities, think tanks, NGOs, professional associations, private sector business) from Europe, and beyond.
For the entire month of October, hundreds of activities take place across Europe, including conferences, workshops, trainings, webinars, presentations and more, to promote digital security and cyber hygiene.
This October, the programme focuses on two themes to help people identify and be prepared for cyber threats – „Cyber Scams” and „Digital Skills”.
The first theme – „Cyber Scams”, provides insights on current and potential cyber threats to help the general public and businesses minimise risks. COVID-19 has led to an increase in e-commerce, which has triggered concerns about the security of data and online payments. Activities in this theme will focus on phishing, business email compromise and online shopping fraud. The key message encourages users to have a heightened awareness of cyber scams when conducting business and personal transactions online.
The second theme–„Digital Skills”, presents educational activities that inform the general public on Internet security. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the digitalisation of everyday life. This new hyperconnected world requires an awareness of current skills for citizens to stay on top of trends and be safe online. The theme covers e-privacy matters such as personal data protection, cyber bullying and cyber stalking. The key message conveys the importance of cyber hygiene and establishing good practices online.
