P 231728Z OCT 12

ALCOAST 462/12
COMDTNOTE 5500
SUBJ: NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY AWARENESS MONTH - ACHIEVING
CYBERSECURITY TOGETHER
1. October 2012 marks the ninth annual National Cyber Security
Awareness Month (NCSAM) sponsored by the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) in cooperation with the National Cyber Security
Alliance (NCSA). NCSAM is intended to promote safe online behavior,
practices to combat threats, and raise awareness of the importance of
cybersecurity across the nation.
2. Today we are more interconnected than ever before. Not only do we
use the internet to stay connected, informed, and involved, but we
rely on it for all of our day to day needs. The nations critical
infrastructure relies heavily on the internet for everything from
submitting taxes, to following traffic signals, to even powering our
homes. Think for a moment what our lives would be like without the
internet. Yet, for all of its advantages, increased connectivity
brings increased risk of crime and increased vulnerabilities to our
critical data systems, making cybersecurity one of our countrys most
important national security priorities.
3. Being safer online is a shared responsibility. Emerging cyber
threats require engagement from the entire American community: from
government and law enforcement to the private sector and, most
importantly, individuals like you.
4. Throughout the month of October and beyond we encourage all
members of the Coast Guard to ACT: ACHIEVE CYBERSECURITY TOGETHER.
We also ask that you reflect on the interconnectedness of the modern
world and the responsibility each of us has in securing cyberspace.
5. To help protect you and your family from cyber threats, the
campaign reminds you to stop and think about the places we visit
online, the information that we share, and the communities in which
we participate while online. To understand the importance of cyber
security here are a few items to consider:
      A. Every 3 seconds an identity is stolen.
      B. 1 in 5 individuals will become a victim of a cyber crime.
      C. An unprotected computer can become infected within four
minutes of connecting to the internet.
      D. Cybercrime has surpassed illegal drug dealing as the number
one method for criminal profit.
6. While practicing good cyber security may seem like a daunting
task, there are some simple steps that you can take to make you and
your family more secure in cyberspace:
      A. Set strong passwords and dont share them with anyone.
      B. Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical
software optimized by installing updates/patches.
      C. Maintain an open dialogue with your family, friends, and
community about internet safety.
      D. Limit the amount of personal information you post online and
use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.
      E. Be cautious about what you receive or read online. If it
sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
7. NCSAM awareness materials have been distributed to field
Information System Security Officers (ISSOs), and new cyber security
awareness materials and tips will be posted every Monday during the
month of October on the CGPORTAL homepage. Additional information
regarding NCSAM can be located at the DHS Stop, Think, Connect
internet link: HTTP://www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect. Captains of the
Port will also be receiving products to share with their Area
Maritime Security Committees.
8. The first line of defense in cybersecurity is you. Your servicing
ISSOs are also a great resource for questions concerning
cybersecurity. Additionally, the Coast Guard Chief Information
Security Office is COMDT (CG-65), and the Coast Guard Cyber Command
PreCOMDET is responsible for cyber security operations. The CG-65 POC
is LCDR Donald Shaffer, Donald.E.Shaffer(at)USCG.MIL or (202)
475-3578, and the Coast Guard Cyber Command PreCOMDET POC is Mr.
Brett Rouzer, Brett.R.Rouzer(at)USCG.MIL or (202) 372-3113.
9. VADM P. V. Neffenger, Deputy Commandant for Operations, RADM R.E.
Day, Assistant Commandant for Command, Control, Communications,
Computers, and Information Technology, and Director, CGCYBER and RDML
C. J. Tomney, Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Criminal
Investigations, jointly send this message.
10. Internet release authorized.