Happy Cyber-tober!
Cyber Awareness Month is an initiative held every October, aimed at educating the public on how to stay safe and protected online. It all began in 2004, as a joint effort between the US Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA), and is now recognised globally. This month is a reminder for everyone of the importance of online safety.
Did you know, the average screentime for a teenager (aged 13-18) is around 7-9 hours a day? With so much of our lives happening on phones, laptops, and social media, it’s easy to forget how vulnerable we can be. Cyber Awareness Month encourages us to take small steps to protect our personal information, avoid scams, and feel more confident online.
Why does it matter?
Cybercrime is on the rise. In the UK alone, millions of people are targeted every year. According to the UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey, 2025, 43% of businesses and 30% of charities reported experiencing a cyber security breach in the last 12 months.
Cyber attacks don’t just affect companies; they can affect individuals, too. According to ActionFraud, 69,000 reports of fraud were received from people aged between 11 and 29, losing a total of £143.7 million in 2023. Imagine losing access to your social media accounts, being tricked into paying for a service you will never receive, having your bank details stolen, or even someone pretending to be you online.
What can you do this Cyber Awareness Month?
You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe. Here are a few simple steps you can take:
- Use strong passwords and make sure they are never the same everywhere.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your socials and email.
- Think before you click – if a link or message feels dodgy, it probably is.
- Update your apps and devices so you’re protected with the latest security fixes.
Get involved & share the word!
Cyber Awareness Month is also about spreading the message with your community, especially those who are most vulnerable to online threats. You could:
- Share tips on your socials using hashtags like #CyberAware.
- Remind your friends to check their security settings.
- Use free resources from Stay Safe Online (staysafeonline.org) and the National Cyber Security Centre (ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware).
This Cyber Awareness Month, let’s take charge of our digital lives. Stay safe, stay smart, and spread the word!
This month on the zine, we’ll be sharing weekly articles packed with tips and tricks on how to stay safe online and explore what the world of cybersecurity has to offer.
