The Department of War is launching its ‘Brilliant at the Basics’ campaign for Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This month-long effort aims to reinforce essential cybersecurity skills across IT and OT systems, ensuring everyone is prepared for today’s threats while maintaining a competitive edge. Honorable Kirsten Davies, the DoW Chief Information Officer, emphasizes, ‘Cybersecurity begins with the fundamentals. We’re equipping our warfighters, civilian staff, and defense partners with practical steps to secure our technology ecosystem. As we innovate and rebuild our industrial base, strong cyber habits are non-negotiable for protecting our people and mission.’ The campaign features daily insights and resources centered on four weekly themes: Be Aware – learning to identify risks in networks and equipment; Be Vigilant – adopting proactive measures like strong passwords and phishing defense; Be Secure – safeguarding data through reduced exposure, encryption, and access control; and Be Connected – building a team approach by reporting incidents and acting on cyber directives. Understanding that small and medium businesses drive innovation, the initiative provides customized support and affordable cybersecurity tools aligned with the Department’s July 2026 guidelines. Stay updated by following the DoW CIO on social media or visiting dowcio.war.gov.
