October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). NCSAM began in 2004 as a collaborative effort between government and industry to provide people with the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online.

Since its inception, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) have led NCSAM, and the effort has grown exponentially, reaching consumers, small and medium-sized businesses, corporations, educational institutions, and individuals worldwide.

Each week in October NCSAM will highlight a new theme, with this week’s theme being “STOP. THINK. CONNECT.” The aim is to make everyone aware of simple measures to take to be safer and more secure online.

Tribute Inc.'s Secure Credit Card Payment Solution provider, 3DSI, has a good article on their blog today addressing how shoppers can have a safer, more convenient experience when using a credit or debit card to purchase something online.

Visit the NCSAM website to see the other topics covered this month:

• Week 1 (Oct. 1–3): STOP. THINK. CONNECT.
• Week 2 (Oct. 2–6): Secure Development of IT Products
• Week 3 (Oct. 13–17): Critical Infrastructure and the Internet of Things
• Week 4 (Oct. 20–24): Cyber Security for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses and Entrepreneurs
• Week 5 (Oct. 27–31): Cybercrime and Law Enforcement

Also, if you have children, OnGuardOnLine.gov is a good site for tips and conversation starters regarding online privacy and safety practices. You can find more helpful hints on the NCSA's Twitter & Facebook pages.

Tribute, Inc. is a provider of business management software for industrial distributors and partners with 3Delta Systems to offer secure credit card payment options that comply with the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard.