Cyberattacks, fraud, identity theft, security breaches and malicious online attacks are major security risks to computer systems, networks and data. These cyber-threats evolve in complexity and number of attacks. To increase cybersecurity awareness and help safeguard against online attacks, the City provides resources and collaborates with other local, regional and national organizations in events and educational campaigns throughout the year.

These include collaborating on initiatives such as Stop. Think. Connect., Securing Our eCity and National Cybersecurity Month, among other proactive efforts to increase cybersecurity awareness, eliminate vulnerabilities and share cyber response best practices and tools.

Stop. Think. Connect. 

Stop. Think. Connect. This global public cybersecurity awareness campaign helps increase the awareness and understanding of cyber threats. The National Cybersecurity Alliance and the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG), an international coalition of more than 1,800 industry, government, nongovernment, law-enforcement institutions and community organizations, launched the campaign in October 2010.

Securing Our eCity

In 2010, the City joined Securing Our eCity, a public-private initiative focused on cybersecurity awareness, education and preparedness in the San Diego region. The initiative’s goal is to help safeguard local businesses, organizations and public agencies against the increasing and evolving cybersecurity threats. The initiative serves as a national model for implementation by communities nationwide. 

The cooperative partnership includes more than 200 members, including representatives from the Office of the Mayor, Department of IT and the Police Department; local, state and federal public agencies; public and private educational institutions; local private sector companies; and community stakeholders.

National Cybersecurity Month  

Annually since 2003, October has been recognized as National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). This campaign increases awareness about cybersecurity, ensuring that everyone stays safe and secure online. The Department of Homeland Security, the National Cyber Security Alliance, the National Association of State Chief Information Officers and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center sponsor NCSAM.