Community-Based Organizations

As a community-based organization, you are a trusted source of information for your community. Even though cybersecurity may not be central to your mission, it’s important that you know how to keep your staff members, volunteers, and the people you serve safe and secure online.

A great place to start is by participating in National Cyber Security Awareness Month, held in October 2012. Even if you have just one hour to devote to this nationwide observance or decide to make a larger time commitment, you’ll be sure to find at least one activity from the list below that can make a big difference!

What You Can Do…

…in less than One Hour:

• Put the NCSAM banner on your organization’s website and link to the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. tip sheet. (Download banner from http://www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam/promote-ncsam/ and the tip sheet from http://staysafeonline.org/stop-think-connect/tips-and-advice.) 

…in less than One Day:

• Become an NCSAM Champion. (Find the NCSAM Champion application form at http://www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam/champions)

• Write an article on cybersecurity for your organization’s newsletter incorporating the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. tips. (Download at http://staysafeonline.org/stop-think-connect/tips-and-advice.) 

…in less than One Week:

•  Review Verizon’s “2012 Data Breach Investigations Report,” for concrete ideas on how to keep your online data safe and secure. (Available at http://www.verizonbusiness.com/resources/reports/rp_data-breach-investigations-report-2012_en_xg.pdf).

…in less than One Month:

• Plan a brown bag lunch for employees to review your organization’s computer security and acceptable use policies. Distribute the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. tips and advice to all staff. (Download at http://staysafeonline.org/stop-think-connect/tips-and-advice.) 

• Create a plan in the event of a data loss. Check out the Debix Data Breach Incident Response Workbook for ideas. (Available at http://www.debix.com/workbook/index.php).

…All Year Round:

• Keep your efforts going throughout the year by posting the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. cybersecurity tips and posters next to your organization’s computers or on bulletin boards where you place staff announcements. (Download at http://staysafeonline.org/stop-think-connect.)  

• Make sure that your organization is taking adequate steps to protect any personal information you have about employees, volunteers, or the people you serve.