Greenville County Schools Promotes National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Greenville County Schools has announced its commitment to National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), held annually in October, by signing up as a Champion and joining a growing global effort to promote the awareness of online safety and privacy. NCSAM is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations and individuals committed to this year’s NCSAM theme of ‘Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.’ which encourages everyone to #BeCyberSmart through cybersecurity best practices.

“Once again this year, Greenville County Schools (GCS) is participating as a Champion of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). GCS joins the ranks of NCSAM Champions with its innovative Digital Citizenship and Cyber Safety Awareness Programs. Being a Champion of Cyber Security Awareness Month entails having a demonstrable and active program of awareness and education training,” said Spencer Benham, certified security specialist for Greenville County Schools.

Benham said more than 260 separate program presentations were conducted last school year for students, parents, staff, and the community. GCS representatives participated in several community awareness events including "Home Run for Healthy Kids" and the Governor Henry McMaster's signing of the first ever Children's Internet Safety Pledge.

“Presentations for this year are off to a great start, each focused on safe internet use and digital literacy. We look forward to continuing the great tradition of innovative digital literacy and empowering students to become thoughtful digital citizens,” added Benham.

Now in its 16th year, NCSAM continues to build momentum and impact with the ultimate goal of providing all Americans with the information they need to stay safer and more secure online. Greenville County Schools is proud to support this far-reaching online safety awareness and education initiative which is co-led by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“Cybersecurity is important to the success of all businesses and organizations. NCSA is proud to have such a strong and active community helping to encourage proactive behavior and prioritize cybersecurity in their organizations,” said Kelvin Coleman, executive director, NCSA.

For more information about NCSAM 2019 and how to participate in a wide variety of activities, visit staysafeonline.org/ncsam. You can also follow and use the official NCSAM hashtag #BeCyberSmart on social media throughout the month.

About National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

NCSAM 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 NCSAM 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 staysafeonline.org.

About NCSA

NCSA is the nation’s leading nonprofit, public-private partnership promoting cybersecurity and privacy education and awareness. NCSA works with a broad array of stakeholders in government, industry and civil society.