Computer Security Day

Computer Security Day is an annual event that is observed worldwide. It was started in 1988 to help raise awareness of computer related security issues. The goal of Computer Security Day is to remind people to protect their computers and information. Officially, Computer Security Day is November 30th. However, some organizations choose to have functions on the next business day or week if CSD falls on a weekend.

In November 1988, a computer security incident known as the "Internet worm" brought major portions of the Internet to its knees. Reaction to this incident was isolated and uncoordinated, resulting in much duplicated effort, and in conflicting solutions. Weeks later, the CERT* Coordination Center was formed. Soon after, the United States Department of Energy formed the Computer Incident Advisory Capability (CIAC) to serve its constituents.

Over the next two years, the number of incident response teams continued to grow, each with its own purpose, funding, reporting requirements, and constituency. The interaction between these teams experienced difficulties due to differences in language, timezone, and international standards or conventions. In October 1989, a major incident called the "Wank worm" highlighted the need for better communication and coordination between teams.

Computer Security Day is a great opportunity for information security professionals and their organizations to raise the level of awareness within their users. We can help by providing ideas for CSD activities, posters and other resources.

Computers, electronic devices, and smart phones have made our lives easier by making communication faster, more convenient and more efficient. At the same time, they have created many privacy and security issues. The holiday reminds people to stay on top of their computer security and to take steps to make their personal information and data secure. Also The Insafe network organises the Safer Internet Day, which has taken place annually on the second day of the second week of February since 2004 and also involves numerous countries.

Web safety, or online safety or Internet Safety, is the knowledge of maximizing the user’s personal safety and security risks to private information and property associated with using the internet, and the self-protection from computer crime in general. For example, in Ohio the fourth Sunday in September is designated as "Internet Safety Day."

Source: computersecurityday.org | first.org