Department of War Champions 'Brilliant at the Basics' for Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Oct. 1, 2026 |

Arming warfighters, workforce, and industry partners with actionable cyber defense practices to strengthen security posture and safeguard the mission.

The Office of the Chief Information Officer today launched the Department of War's "Brilliant at the Basics" campaign for Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The monthlong initiative reinforces core cybersecurity fundamentals across both Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments to provide best practices for navigating an evolving threat landscape while maintaining a decisive digital edge.

"Cybersecurity starts with the basics," said Honorable Kirsten Davies, Department of War chief information officer. "This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we are sharing foundational, actionable steps for our warfighters, civilian workforce, and defense industrial base partners to protect our technology ecosystem, both IT and OT. As we pursue innovative technologies, and reintegrate our industrial base, we must also maintain strong cyber fundamentals that protect our people, systems, and mission. Being 'Brilliant at the Basics' is not just a slogan; it is a mission imperative."

The campaign will deliver daily posts, actionable tips, and practical resources structured across four weekly themes:

• Be Aware: Understand digital environments and identify vulnerabilities across connected IT networks, OT infrastructure, and government-furnished equipment.
• Be Vigilant: Practice proactive security measures including strong authentication, credential hygiene, and anti-phishing tactics to reduce cyber risk.
• Be Secure: Protect mission-critical data and systems by reducing internet-facing systems, encrypting connections, patching, and ensuring only authorized equipment connects to defense networks. 
• Be Connected: Champion a culture of collective defense by promptly reporting suspicious cyber activity and promptly responding to cyber tasking orders.

Recognizing that small, medium, and nontraditional businesses drive critical innovation for our warfighters, the campaign provides tailored guidance and accessible resources directly to DIB partners. The initiative will also spotlight low-cost and no-cost cybersecurity support programs that align with the IT and OT best practices issued by the Department in July 2026 to support the hardening of the Department's broader industrial base.

For more information, daily campaign updates and event schedules, follow the official DoW CIO social media channels and the CIO's website at dowcio.war.gov.

Unveiling the Threat: Social Engineering and its Impact on Cybersecurity

In today's interconnected world, where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the threat landscape has expanded beyond traditional cybersecurity measures. Social engineering has emerged as a potent weapon in the hands of cybercriminals, exploiting human psychology to bypass technical defenses and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. In this article, we explore the concept of social engineering, its various techniques, and the critical role it plays in compromising cybersecurity. By understanding the tactics employed by cyber attackers, we can better equip ourselves to recognize and counter social engineering attempts, safeguarding our personal and organizational security.

Understanding Social Engineering:

Social engineering refers to the manipulation of human behavior, often through psychological manipulation or deception, to gain unauthorized access to information or systems. Unlike traditional hacking methods that exploit technical vulnerabilities, social engineering exploits human vulnerabilities, such as trust, curiosity, or fear. It relies on the fact that individuals can be the weakest link in the security chain, making them susceptible to manipulation and trickery.

Common Techniques of Social Engineering:

1. Phishing: Phishing is one of the most prevalent social engineering techniques. Attackers send deceptive emails, messages, or fake websites that appear legitimate, aiming to trick users into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, financial details, or login credentials. Phishing attacks often employ urgency, fear, or enticing offers to manipulate users into taking action without suspicion.

2. Pretexting: Pretexting involves creating a fictional scenario or pretext to manipulate individuals into divulging sensitive information. Attackers may pose as legitimate entities, such as technical support personnel, law enforcement officers, or trusted colleagues, to gain trust and extract confidential data or access to systems.

3. Baiting: Baiting involves enticing individuals with an appealing offer or reward in exchange for their personal information or access. Cybercriminals may use physical devices, such as infected USB drives labeled as "free giveaways" or attractive download links, to lure victims into compromising their security unwittingly.

4. Tailgating: Tailgating, also known as piggybacking, involves unauthorized individuals gaining physical access to restricted areas by closely following authorized personnel. By exploiting human courtesy or assuming false identities, attackers gain entry to secure environments without proper authentication.

The Impact on Cybersecurity:

Social engineering attacks can have severe consequences, both for individuals and organizations. They can lead to data breaches, financial loss, identity theft, and damage to reputation. Beyond immediate losses, successful social engineering attacks can also serve as gateways for more extensive cyberattacks, allowing hackers to penetrate deeper into systems, steal intellectual property, or disrupt critical infrastructure.

Defending Against Social Engineering Attacks:

1. Awareness and Education: Training individuals on social engineering techniques and raising awareness about common attack vectors are crucial. By understanding the tactics used by attackers, individuals can develop a healthy skepticism, verify requests, and practice cautious online behavior.

2. Vigilance in Communication: Verifying the authenticity of communication sources, especially in unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls, is essential. Independent verification through trusted channels, using contact information from official sources, helps to avoid falling victim to impersonation or deceptive tactics.

3. Implementing Multifactor Authentication: Enforcing strong and unique passwords combined with multifactor authentication adds an extra layer of security, making it more challenging for attackers to gain unauthorized access.

4. Regular Software Updates and Security Patches: Keeping software, operating systems, and security tools up to date minimizes the risk of known vulnerabilities that can be exploited by social engineering attacks.

Conclusion:

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, social engineering remains a persistent threat to cybersecurity. By understanding the techniques employed by cyber attackers, individuals and organizations can enhance their defenses and protect against these manipulative tactics. A combination of awareness, education, and robust security measures is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with social engineering. By staying vigilant and fostering a security-conscious culture, we can fortify our digital resilience and safeguard against the ever-evolving social engineering landscape.