ITRC to Release First Business Aftermath Report & Other Resources for CSAM 2021

This year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiative highlights the importance of cybersecurity by encouraging individuals & organizations to take measures to ensure they stay safe online  

SAN DIEGO, September 22, 2021 – Today, the Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC), a nationally recognized nonprofit organization established to support victims of identity crime, announced its commitment to Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CSAM), held annually in October. The ITRC joins the growing global effort to promote the awareness of staying safe online. CSAM 2021 is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations, and individuals committed to the CSAM theme of ‘Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.’ 

“The importance of good cybersecurity and its link to identity protection is reinforced every day,” said Eva Velasquez, President and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. “Cybersecurity is a critical issue that affects everyone, whether you are a business owner, company employee, or a consumer. Online safety, identity protection and data privacy is important for everyone. The ITRC continues to stay committed to our mission, to help consumers and businesses with best practices, and to help everyone #BeCyberSmart.” 

The ITRC will lead or participate in the following activities during CSAM 2021: 

• Sept 29, 2021 – “How to Secure Your Online Life” Webinar 

On September 29, the ITRC will take part in a webinar with Verity-IT, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on how to secure your online life. The one-hour session will give an overview of the cyber basics. 

• Oct 6, 2021 – Release of Q3 2021 Data Breach Trend Analysis 

On October 6, the ITRC will release its data breach information for the third quarter of 2021. In the ITRC’s H1 2021 Data Breach Trend Analysis, the ITRC reported a 38 percent increase in data breaches quarter-over-quarter and predicted an all-time high number of data breaches by year’s end if breaches continued at the first half of the year’s pace. Sign up for the Monthly Data Breach Newsletter to get alerts and this report directly to your inbox. 

• Oct 27, 2021 – Release of Inaugural Business Aftermath Report 

On October 27, the ITRC will release its first-ever report on the impacts of identity crimes and cyberattacks on small businesses. Cyberattacks and the resulting security and data breaches can have a devastating effect on any business. However, small organizations and solopreneurs often lack the resources to prevent or defend against cybercrimes. The 2021 Business Aftermath Report is the first major independent, publicly-reported research into what happens specifically to small businesses following a data or security breach. Sign up to get this report directly to your inbox and more highlights from the ITRC. 

• Oct 27, 2021 – Nasdaq Cybersecurity Summit 

On October 27 at 10 a.m. EST/7 a.m. PST, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) will host its annual Nasdaq Cybersecurity Summit virtually and at the Nasdaq MarketSite in Times Square, New York. The ITRC will participate as a partner in this event that looks at research and best practices for designing security products and processes that are usable by those who need them. 

• The ITRC’s Weekly Breach Breakdown and Fraudian Slip Podcast Episodes  

Check out the ITRC’s latest podcasts, “The Fraudian Slip” (monthly), where we talk about all-things identity compromise, crime and fraud that impact people and businesses, as well as “The Weekly Breach Breakdown” (weekly), covering the most recent events and trends related to data security and privacy.  

More on CSAM 2021 

Technology plays a part in almost everything we do in life. Mobile and connected smart devices are woven into society as an integral part of how people communicate and access services essential to their well-being. Despite these great advances in technology and the conveniences this provides, recent events have shown us how quickly our lives and businesses can be disrupted when cybercriminals and adversaries use technology to do harm. Now in its 18th year, CSAM continues to build momentum and impact with the ultimate goal of providing everyone with the information they need to stay safe online.  

The ITRC is proud to support this far-reaching online safety awareness and education initiative co-led by CISA the NCSA. 

For more information about CSAM 2021, staying safe online and how to participate in a wide variety of activities, visit staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/. You can also follow and use the official hashtag #BeCyberSmart on social media throughout the month.  

About the Identity Theft Resource Center 

Founded in 1999, the Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is a national nonprofit organization established to empower and guide consumers, victims, business and government to minimize risk and mitigate the impact of identity compromise and crime. Through public and private support, the ITRC provides no-cost victim assistance and consumer education through its website live-chat idtheftcenter.org and toll-free phone number 888.400.5530. The ITRC also equips consumers and businesses with information about recent data breaches through its data breach tracking tool, notified. The ITRC offers help to specific populations, including the deaf/hard of hearing and blind/low vision communities.  

About Cybersecurity Awareness Month 

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is designed to engage and educate public and private-sector partners through events and initiatives with the goal of raising awareness about cybersecurity to increase the resiliency of the nation in the event of a cyber incident. Since the Presidential proclamation establishing Cybersecurity Awareness Month in 2004, the initiative has been formally recognized by Congress, federal, state and local governments and leaders from industry and academia. This united effort is necessary to maintain a cyberspace that is safer and more resilient and remains a source of tremendous opportunity and growth for years to come. For more information, visit staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/.  

About National Cyber Security Alliance  

The National Cyber Security Alliance is a nonprofit alliance on a mission to create a more secure connected world. We enable powerful, public-private partnerships in our mission to educate and inspire individuals to protect themselves, their families and their organizations for the collective good. For more information on the National Cyber Security Alliance, please visit https://staysafeonline.org. 

Media Contact     

Identity Theft Resource Center     
Alex Achten     
Head of Earned & Owned Media Relations      
888.400.5530 Ext. 3611     
[email protected]