The Department of Homeland Security has named October Cyber Security Awareness Month and I'm writing this because I think you should know that we here at SDTimes are aware of this, but beyond that? It's not really news. 

It's very similar to those NYC Subway commercials -- "If you see something, say something" -- that have become increasingly popular after the tenth anniversary of 9/11. 

They remind me a lot of the World War II "morale-boosting" ads of the 1940s. 

"We can do it." Rosie the Riveter

"You buy 'em, we'll fly 'em." Poster for War Bond Stamps

"Keep Calm and Carry On." British Sign to Boost Morale During the Air Raids

All of these posters were used to make Allied Citizens feel that they were part of a bigger movement, that they had the ability to help with national defense. 

In reality? Did these war bonds actually help the allies win? No one knows, but people felt better about it. 

That's how I see National Cyber Security Awareness Month -- it's an exercise in educating the consumer about the real threats out there by having them get behind a cause, complete with buttons, stickers and cool week-by-week activities. 

There are some threats that you should be aware of, but computers (and smart phones, tablets, et. al.) are so expensive these days you should ALWAYS be careful about what you download, not just during the month of October. I mean, I think we all know that downloading a link ending in .xxx is always, always a bad idea. 

Don't we? 

If not, you might want to check out the DHS' calendar for activities that you can participate in the month of October to raise your Cyber Security Awareness. 

And ultimately, if you see a bad link, don't click it...and oh yea, tell the DHS.