AIKEN, S.C. - From offering lunch-and-learn programs to mentoring future professionals, the cybersecurity team at EM liquid waste contractor Savannah River Remediation (SRR) embodies the themes of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2018, earning SRR the title of NCSAM Champion for the fourth consecutive year.
The team promotes a NCSAM theme focusing on online safety by encouraging employees to maintain security measures at work and at home. SRR Principal Cyber Security Specialist Steve Lape said it’s important to educate employees with ways to stay safe while using the Internet.
“We believe our employees are taking cybersecurity awareness home to their families and personal lives, helping everyone stay safe online," Lape said.
Another theme of NCSAM 2018 is the idea that it is everyone’s job to ensure online safety at work. SRR is furthering this idea throughout the company through weekly articles with cyber protection tips and monthly lunch-and-learn programs on topics such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency, a digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency.
“We encourage our employees to be always be cyber-conscientious," Lape said. “Users are the first line of defense when it comes to averting cyber scams, so when everyone is educated on how to spot potential scams and threats and how to mitigate those risks, everyone wins."
The team also promotes educating students for careers in cybersecurity, another theme of NCSAM. The team has so far mentored three area high school students aspiring to enter the growing cybersecurity field.
“Mentoring our youth on the importance of securing our networks is how we pass the torch to the younger generation," Lape said. “Guiding these students through this crucial turning point in their lives and seeing their innovative ideas come to life through projects at school makes me excited for the future of the cybersecurity industry."
A fourth theme of NCSAM is safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure.
“A disruption to the cyber system could have a significant consequence on the SRS liquid waste mission," Lape said. “It is our job to make sure that doesn’t happen."
Cybersecurity is critical to DOE missions, according to Lewann Belton, DOE cyber and information technology division manager.
“It is imperative for EM contractors to support the Department’s robust cybersecurity strategy," Belton said. “Savannah River Remediation earning the champion status of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, among many other accolades, is further proof the contractor is committed to safeguarding DOE information systems."
A collaboration of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, NCSAM is observed every October to educate Americans on safe and secure online practices. The NCSAM Champion program highlights companies dedicated to promoting a safer Internet.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
