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The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA),^[1] is a 501(c)(3) USA non-profit organization founded in 2001, promoting cybersecurity, privacy, education and awareness. The NCSA works with a broad array of stakeholders in the government, industry and civil society. NCSA's primary federal partner is the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

NCSA's core efforts include Cyber Security Awareness Month^[2][3][4] (October); Data Privacy Day (Jan. 28); and CyberSecure My Business.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month was launched by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in October 2004 to raise public knowledge of best cyber practices among Americans. When Cybersecurity Awareness Month first began, the focus was on simple precautions such as keeping antivirus software up to date. The month has expanded in reach and involvement since the combined efforts of the NCSA and DHS began. Operated in many respects as a grassroots campaign, the month's effort has grown to include the participation of a multitude of industry participants that engage their customers, employees and the general public in awareness, as well college campuses, nonprofits and other groups.

In 2009, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano launched the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Washington, D.C., becoming the highest-ranking government official to participate in the month's activities. Today, leading administration officials from DHS, the White House and other agencies regularly participate in NCSA events across the United States.

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