This October, the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSE) and its Get Cyber Safe campaign launch Cyber Security Awareness Month (Cyber Month) 2025 with the theme "Get cyber safe - for future you".
Cyber Month is an internationally recognized campaign held each October to highlight the importance of cyber security. In Canada, Cyber Month encourages individuals, families and organizations to build strong habits that can help protect them in an evolving and increasingly sophisticated digital landscape.
This year's theme focuses on the idea that being cyber safe today isn't just about avoiding risks in the moment - it's about setting yourself up for success tomorrow. From using a password manager to secure your accounts to enabling automatic updates that prevent future disruptions, the campaign will showcase the everyday benefits of cyber security practices that make life easier when it matters most.
Each week of October, Get Cyber Safe will spotlight a different aspect of cyber security including securing accounts and devices, spotting phishing attempts and forming habits that protect against evolving threats. Canadians are encouraged to explore how small steps taken today can safeguard both their current digital lives and their future selves.
This Cyber Month will explore the following weekly themes:
- Week 1: Preparing your future self today - Cyber Month begins with a focus on account security. From creating strong passphrases and using password managers, to enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) and protecting social media accounts, Canadians will learn how securing their accounts today can secure their digital future online.
- Week 2: Bringing your devices up to speed - This week highlights the importance of securing the devices Canadians rely on every day. From smart gadgets to laptops, taking small steps like backing up files and securing networks can ensure devices are ready for anything.
- Week 3: Cyber threats are evolving - are you? - As cyber threats become more sophisticated, Canadians need to stay informed. This week will explore how to identify and report phishing, vishing and smishing attempts, as well as prepare for the risks posed by sophisticated scams and those enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI).
- Week 4: Starting new habits - Building strong cyber security habits is one of the best ways to stay safe online. This week will provide Canadians with practical tips to protect themselves against malware and ransomware which includes knowing how to safely download files, using anti-virus protection and staying alert to evolving threats.
- Week 5: Staying updated to stay safe - The final week of Cyber Month emphasizes the importance of keeping systems and software up to date. Canadians will learn how timely updates and S.C.R.U.B. best practices (Secure, Curate, Review, Update, Block) can help them stay secure against evolving threats and prepare for the future.
With partners across the country helping to raise awareness, Canadians will have all the tools they need to build strong cyber security habits today and prepare for whatever challenges tomorrow may bring. The goal of the campaign is to show how small actions taken now can make life and online safety easier for your future self.
Check out the Get Cyber Safe website, which offers important information and resources to Canadians on how to stay secure online in all aspects of their lives, including resources to help improve cyber security habits and prepare for the future.
