Ewing Township Continues Its Commitment to Global Cybersecurity by Becoming a Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 Champion

October 3, 2024

Each October Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to highlight some of the regular and emerging challenges that exist in the world of cybersecurity today and provide straightforward actionable guidance that anyone can follow to create a safe and secure digital world for themselves and their loved ones.

The Township Council has once again approved our participation as a Champion for Cybersecurity Awareness Month to promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices for Ewing Township staff and the public. The Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champions Program is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations, and individuals committed to educating others on online safety.

This year, the Cybersecurity Awareness Month’s main focal area revolves around the dangers of cyberbullying with tips for parents, educators, teens and kids. Cyberbullying threats can run the gamut from embarrassing or cruel online posts, or digital pictures, to online threats, harassment, and negative comments, to stalking through emails, websites, social media platforms and text messages.

Every age group is vulnerable to cyberbullying, but teenagers and young adults are common victims. Cyberbullying is a growing problem in schools and has become an issue because the internet is fairly anonymous, which is appealing to bullies because their intimidation is difficult to trace. Unfortunately, rumors, threats and photos can be disseminated online very quickly.

Preventative steps include limiting exposure to online bullies, de-escalation, documentation, and blocking and reporting bullying to social media sites and appropriate authorities. Look for our posts to provide additional information throughout October.

Controlling and limiting where your children post their personal information will reduce their exposure to online bullies.

Avoiding escalating the situation – responding with hostility - is likely to provoke a bully who thrives on their victims’ reaction. Depending on the circumstances, options include ignoring the issue or changing an email address. If the problem continues, you may have a strong case for legal action.

Documenting cyberbullying is critical. This includes emails, web pages, and social media posts, including relevant dates and times. Keep both an electronic version and a printed copy of each document.

Blocking and reporting on social media bullying. Block the person on any platforms and in email. Report the incident to the website; many social media platforms and other websites encourage users to report incidents of cyberbullying.

Report cyberbullying to the appropriate authorities
Report bullying activity to the local authorities, including your local police department or FBI branch. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors can help sort out legal implications dealing with the difference between free speech and harassment. You may also want to report it to school officials who may have separate policies for dealing with activity that involves their students.
If the communications become more frequent, the threats more severe, the methods more dangerous and if third parties (such as hate groups and sexually deviant groups) become involved—the more likely law enforcement needs to be contacted, and a legal process initiated.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to build momentum and impact with the ultimate goal of providing everyone with the information they need to stay safer and more secure online. Ewing Township is proud to support this far-reaching online safety awareness and education initiative which is co-led by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

For more information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 and how to participate in a wide variety of activities, visit staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/. You can also follow and use the official hashtag #BeCyberSmart on social media throughout the month.

The National Cyber Security Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s annual campaign also serves to remind everyone about the top four pillars of online safety:

Look for our postings throughout the month about key cybersecurity issues to help you stay safe online.