REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Proclamation of October 2025 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Report
BACKGROUND
Our increasing reliance on technology, coupled with the growing threat of cyberattacks, demands greater security in our online world. This necessitates simple, easy-to-understand resources and tips to help individuals, organizations, and communities stay safe online.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). CISA was established in 2018 to lead the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risks to the nation's cyber and physical infrastructure. CISA's Cybersecurity Awareness Program is a national public awareness effort aimed at increasing the understanding of cyber threats and empowering the American public to be safer and more secure online. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and each of us has a part to play. When we all take simple steps to be safer online - at home, in the workplace, and in our communities - it makes using the Internet a more secure experience for everyone.
Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time dedicated to the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. October 2025 marks the 22nd Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
DISCUSSION
Since 2015, the City of Santa Clara has actively participated in the program and is an official Cybersecurity Awareness Month Partner. During the month of October, the City will share educational content with employees on key cybersecurity topics, conduct a phishing campaign, and hold the annual cybersecurity awareness training.
A phishing campaign is a simulated exercise where fake but realistic phishing emails are sent to employees to test their ability to spot suspicious messages. The goal is to raise awareness and improve response by helping employees...
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