R 151459Z OCT 18
MARADMIN 589/18
MSGID/GENADMIN/CMC WASHINGTON DC C4//
SUBJ/2018 NATIONAL CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH 1 – 31 OCT//
POC/R. STATEN/GS15/HQMC C4/EMAIL: RODDY.STATEN@USMC.MIL//
POC/B. J. ELLIS/MAJ/HQMC C4/EMAIL: BUDDY.ELLIS@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  As Marines we achieve success in battle in many climes and places because we prepare.  Cyberspace is a new and evolving operating environment and all Marines have a role to play in preparing for its defense.  We must continue to be prepared to apply cybersecurity as one of many tools in defense of cyberspace.
2.  Recognizing the importance of cybersecurity to the nation, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA) have designated October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month.  This year marks the 15th annual iteration of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM), which is designed to raise awareness of the importance of cybersecurity and increase the resiliency of the Nation in the event of a cyber incident.
3.  Cybersecurity continues to be one of the United States' most important national security priorities in a contested cyberspace environment.  While we have uniformed and civilian Marines, and contracted personnel dedicated to the defense of information systems in the cyber domain at work, a continued cybersecurity vigilance by all, across all cyber domains (e.g., home, work, education, and industry), is necessary if we are to be successful in mitigating cyber threats and protecting our information. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.
4.  This year’s DHS and NCSA’s overarching NCSAM theme is “Cybersecurity is our shared responsibility and we all must work together to improve our Nation's cybersecurity.”  You are encouraged to learn more about cybersecurity threats and our shared responsibilities by visiting DHS’ National Cybersecurity Awareness Month webpage (https:(slash)(slash)www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month).
5. Additionally, to assist with Marine Corps wide awareness of DOD cyberspace initiatives, an unclassified summary of the 2018 DoD Cyber Strategy and a DoD Cyber Strategy and Cyber Posture Review Fact Sheet have been posted to the DoD Defense media website at: (https:(slash)(slash)media.defense.gov/2018/Sep/18/2002041659/-1/-1/1/Factsheet_for_Strategy_and_CPR_FINAL.pdf); and (https:(slash)(slash)media.defense.gov/2018/Sep/18/2002041658/-1/-1/1/CYBER_STRATEGY_SUMMARY_FINAL.PDF?wpisrc=nl_cybersecurity202&wpmm=1).
6. Information about Marine Corps cyber workforce initiatives is available at:  (https:(slash)(slash)www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/usmc-cyber-occfld/overview). Access to this site requires a valid DoD Common Access Card Public Key Infrastructure digital credential (email).
7.  Our adversaries are not constrained by the Law of Armed Conflict and will seek to compromise you or your family members on any device or network. Everyone (Marines, civilian Marines and contractors) is urged to take proactive measures to decrease their susceptibility to malicious cyber activity both at work and at home. This includes, but is not limited to:
a.  Use of home anti-virus software. The Defense Information Systems Agency provides free McAfee anti-virus downloads to active duty military and civilian employees (https:(slash)(slash)www.disa.mil/cybersecurity/network-defense/antivirus/home-use).
b.  Use of multi-factor authentication. (https:(slash)(slash)//www.nist.gov/itl/tig/back-basics-multi-factor-authentication).
c.  Practicing responsible online behavior utilizing Operation Security and Personal Security.
d.  Immediately reporting phishing attempts to Information Systems Security Manager.
e.  Changing passwords on accounts every 30-60 days.
f.  Never using the same password on multiple devices/accounts.
g.  Maintaining strong command policies to limit cross domain violations.
h.  Never using MCEN workstations to charge personal mobile devices.
i.  Patching workstations and network devices in a timely manner.
8.  National Cybersecurity Awareness Month provides a dedicated month to highlight the importance of cybersecurity education both in our personal and professional lives; however, our focus and efforts to remain vigilant, increase our network resiliency, and practice responsible online behavior must continue far beyond this month.
9.  Release authorized by Brigadier General Lorna M. Mahlock, Deputy Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer/Director, Command, Control, Communications, and Computers, Headquarters Marine Corps.//