The Colorado Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program (C-CAP) at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) today announced its commitment to Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held annually in October, by signing up as a 2021 Champion andjoininga growing global effort to promote the awareness of online safety and privacy.

The Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champions Program is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations and individuals committed to the Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme of “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.”

“Thoughtful and thorough cybersecurity practices are more important now than ever for organizations, businesses and individuals,” said Julia Costin, Associate Director of Corporate Apprenticeships for the Colorado Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program.

“We’re thrilled to be joining efforts to raise awareness for staying safe online and the importance of cybersecurity education. The Colorado Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program at UCCS serves as an educational leader in the growing cybersecurity industry. We work with our students, employers, and the community to raise awareness of the importance of cybersecurity and develop ethical cybersecurity professionals.”

More than ever before, technology plays a part in almost everything we do. Connected devices have been woven into society as an integral part of how people communicate and access services essential to their well-being. Despite these great advances in technology and the conveniences this provides, recent events have shown us how quickly our lives and businesses can be disrupted when cyber criminals and adversaries use technology to do harm. Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to shed light on these security vulnerabilities, while offering actionable guidance surrounding behaviors anyone can take to protect themselves and their organizations. Everyone has a responsibility to do their part in securing our interconnected world.

This year, the Cybersecurity Awareness Month’s main weekly focus areas will revolve around:

• Understanding and implementing basic cyber hygiene, including the importance of strong passphrases, using multi-factor authentication, performing software updates and backing up data.
• Recognizing and reporting phishing attempts whether it’s through email, text messages, or chat boxes.
• Empowering individuals to not only practice safe online behavior, but also encouraging them to consider joining the mission of securing our online world by considering a career in cybersecurity!
• Making cybersecurity a priority in business by making products and processes “secure by design” and considering cybersecurity when purchasing new internet-connected devices.

If everyone does their part — implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating vulnerable audiences or training employees — our interconnected world will be safer and more resilient for everyone.

Now in its 18th year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to build momentum and impact with the ultimate goal of providing everyone with the information they need to stay safer and more secure online. UCCS is proud to support this far-reaching online safety awareness and education initiative which is co-led by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

For more information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2021 and how to participate in a wide variety of activities, visit the National Cyber Security Alliance Cybersecurity Awareness Month homepage. You can also follow and use the official hashtag #BeCyberSmart on social media throughout the month.

About the Colorado Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program

The Colorado Cybersecurity Apprenticeship Program (C-CAP) is designed to prepare apprentices for mid-level and advanced-level roles in one of the fastest growing sectors in the nation. Through a series of college courses, boot camps and workplace-relevant training, apprentices will satisfy the requirements to receive an academic certificate in cybersecurity management and an industry-recognized credential in cybersecurity. Students focus on the interrelated dimensions of threats, such as technical, procedural, legal, or behavioral aspects. The content of the courses covers core competencies including knowledge, skills, and abilities relating to the identification and detection of, protection against, response to, and recovery from an insider or external threat. In addition, students will acquire teamwork and communication skills that are essential in the workforce.

About Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is designed to engage and educate public- and private-sector partners through events and initiatives with the goal of raising awareness about cybersecurity to increase the resiliency of the nation in the event of a cyber incident. Since the Presidential proclamation establishing Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2004, the initiative has been formally recognized by Congress, federal, state and local governments and leaders from industry and academia. This united effort is necessary to maintain a cyberspace that is safer and more resilient and remains a source of tremendous opportunity and growth for years to come. For more information, visit the National Cyber Security Alliance Cybersecurity Awareness Month homepage.

About the National Cyber Security Alliance

The National Cyber Security Alliance is a nonprofit alliance on a mission to create a more secure connected world.  We enable powerful, public-private partnerships in our mission to educate and inspire individuals to protect themselves, their families and their organizations for the collective good.  Our primary partners are the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and our Board of Directors, which includes representatives from ADP; AIG; Bank of America; Cofense; Discover; Eli Lilly and Company; ESET North America; Facebook; KnowBe4; La-Z-Boy; Lenovo; Marriott International; Mastercard; Microsoft; Mimecast; NortonLifeLock; Paubox; Proofpoint; Raytheon; Terranova Security; US Bank; VISA; Wells Fargo. The National Cyber Security Alliance’s core efforts include Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October); Data Privacy Day (Jan. 28); Identity Management Day; and CyberSecure My Business. Find more information on the National Cyber Security Alliance online.