National Computer Security Day is annually celebrated on November 30th in the United States. This day raises awareness ababouthe importance of having full proof computer or cyber security.
These days, electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and computers make up an important component of our everyday lives. While communication has become easier and more efficient than ever before, these technological advancements have brought with them new concerns about privacy and security.
Hence it has become very important that all of our electronic devices are safe and secured so we can carry out all of our required operations without any worry about the data.
| Event | National Computer Security Day |
|---|---|
| Date | November 30, 2022 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Significance | The day highlights the importance of having full proof computer or cyber security |
| Observed by | United States |
National Computer Security Day History:
Since the Internet's arrival and with the digital transformation initiated in recent years, the notion of cybersecurity has become a familiar subject in both our professional and personal lives. Cybersecurity and cyber threats have been consistently present for the last 50 years of technological change. In the 1970s and 1980s, computer security was mainly limited to academia until the conception of the Internet, where, with increased connectivity, computer viruses and network intrusions began to take off. After the spread of viruses in the 1990s, the 2000s marked the institutionalization of cyber threats and cybersecurity.
However, in the 1970s and 1980s, there were no grave computer threats because computers and the internet were still developing, and security threats were easily identifiable. Most often, threats came from malicious insiders who gained unauthorized access to sensitive documents and files. Although malware and network breaches existed during the early years, they did not use them for financial gain. By the second half of the 1970s, established computer firms like IBM started offering commercial access control systems and computer security software products.
On November 2, 1988, Cornell University researchers uncovered an unknown virus lurking in their computer systems. Within four hours of discovery, the "Morris worm" virus invaded several other university systems as well as the ARPANET, an early version of today's internet. Six days later, two computer experts with the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recommended assembling a “National Computer Infection Action Team” (NCAT) to respond 24/7, 365 to these kinds of attacks. On November 14, the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), a research center connected with Carnegie Mellon University, set up the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT).
In 1988, the National Computer Security Day sprang out of the Washington, D.C., chapter of the Association for Computing Machinery's (ACM) Special Interest Group on Security, Audit, and Control as a way to raise awareness about cyber crimes and viruses. According to a 2004 "Networld" article, "November 30 was chosen for CSD so that attention on computer security would remain high during the holiday season, when people are typically more focused on the busy shopping season than thwarting security threats." Since then this day have been celebrated annually on 30th September.
National Computer Security Day Significance:
Computer security or cybersecurity is the protection of computer systems and networks from information disclosure, theft of, or damage to their hardware, software, or electronic data, as well as from the disruption or misdirection of the services they provide. Computer security is important because it keeps your information protected. It is also important for your computer's overall health; proper computer security helps prevent viruses and malware, which allows programs to run quicker and smoother.
When people don't understand the ramifications of installing unverified software, they open their computer up to potential attacks. For example, they might download a free desktop application, which unknowingly installs spyware or a browser toolbar along with the application. Typically, these free software applications will have a checkbox installation that some people might miss, which allows the spyware or toolbars to be installed. This spyware, in many cases, can track everything you do in your web browser. These toolbars can potentially slow your entire system down.
Most of us today uses computer for our personal usage so to prevent from cyber security risk you have to protect your personal information. IT security is the first prime issue to protect your personal and others information. You can keep your information secure using some of the basic steps like using an antivirus software, updating your computer operating system, using strong and smart password, backing up your sensitive data, locking your computer for safety and avoiding phishing emails. These are the basic things which you can perform as an user to keep your computer safe.
This holiday reminds us that viruses spread. If you link an infected device to someone else's device, you put their security at risk. From there, it doesn't take much to compromise an entire network and that's why we must always be careful before installing or transferring any thing. This day also helps us appreciate security systems engineers. Security systems engineers are unsung heroes. Staying one step ahead of hackers is challenging, especially when technology changes so quickly. Computer Security Day is the perfect time to show your appreciation for the work of these professional hacker-fighters!
National Computer Security Day Activities:
The most obvious way to celebrate Computer Security Day would be to focus on ensuring that your computer, your devices, and the data you have in the cloud are all secure. One very important thing to do for your online security is to have strong passwords and keep them updated regularly, as this reduces the chances of your personal data falling into the wrong hands.
Another thing that you can do to celebrate Computer Security Day is to update all of your spyware and malware protection software. Follow up with thorough scans, and you should have a more secure computer or device as an end result. Also don't forget to do the same thing on your's other devices like smartphones and tablets as they are also vulnerable to malware and spyware.
If you still have a computer running the outdated Windows XP or Vista, you should be aware that this creates huge security vulnerabilities for you. So upgrade your OS or your device. You can also observe National Computer Security Day by encrypting all of your files and backing them up.
Most Searched FAQs on National Computer Security Day:
1. When is National Computer Security Day celebrated?
National Computer Security Day is annually celebrated on November 30th in US.
2. What is Cyber Security Awareness?
Cyber Security Awareness means taking a proactive approach to protecting your identity and your assets online.
3. Why is computer security so important?
Computer security is important because it keeps your information protected. It's also important for your computer's overall health; proper computer security helps prevent viruses and malware, which allows programs to run quicker and smoother.