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Identity Theft Resource Center's Consumer Impact Report for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025

As we enter Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025, the Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is taking significant strides to raise awareness about online security and the impacts of identity theft. Celebrating its 22nd year, this initiative is an important call to action for individuals and organizations alike to take responsibility for their digital safety.

Overview of Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA), Cybersecurity Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of empathy, accessibility, and shared responsibility in maintaining a safe digital landscape. The ITRC, a prominent nonprofit organization aimed at aiding victims of identity crimes, plays a crucial role in this endeavor.

According to Eva Velasquez, CEO of the ITRC, the organization is dedicated to empowering individuals with the skill set and knowledge to ensure online safety remains within everyone's reach. "By joining in this effort, we equip individuals from all backgrounds with tools that make navigating online security feel not only achievable but manageable," she states.

Release of the Annual Consumer Impact Report

On October 28, 2025, the ITRC will unveil its annual Consumer Impact Report (CIR). This report is not just a breakdown of the financial repercussions of identity crimes; it delves deeper into the lost opportunities, emotional distress, and psychological repercussions that victims endure as a result of these crimes. The 2025 CIR is designed to highlight the multifaceted nature of identity theft and provide a more comprehensive understanding of its impact on individuals.

In line with promoting cyber-hygiene during this awareness month, the ITRC will also introduce a new cyber-hygiene quiz, intended to test and bolster participants' knowledge about online safety practices. This initiative aims to equip users with essential tips for protecting themselves in the digital sphere.

Importance of Cyber Hygiene and Community Awareness

The ITRC emphasizes that cyber-hygiene is a continuously evolving area of importance. By sharing best practices, individuals can enhance their online security and reduce their risk of falling victim to identity theft. The organization's quiz comprises brief, engaging questions about online safety followed by valuable recommendations for improvement.

Beyond this, the ITRC provides consumers access to a rich array of resources including its engaging podcasts: Fraudian Slip, which offers monthly discussions about identity theft and related frauds, and the Weekly Breach Breakdown, summarizing the latest events and trends within the realm of data security and privacy. These resources not only keep the community informed but also create an ongoing dialogue around the importance of digital safety.

Engaging with the Community

The ITRC encourages everyone to engage with the resources available during Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2025. For further insights into the month and the resources provided, individuals can visit Stay Safe Online or CISA. The organization also invites everyone to participate on social media using the hashtag #CybersecurityAwarenessMonth.

As a longstanding advocate for victims of identity crime since its establishment in 1999, the ITRC offers no-cost assistance and educational resources to empower consumers. The organization provides tools designed to minimize risks associated with identity compromise through its website, live chat, and toll-free number. Notably, the ITRC ensures that specific groups, including the deaf/hard of hearing and blind/low vision communities, receive the guidance they need.

In conclusion, the upcoming Consumer Impact Report is poised to be an essential resource in the vertical fight against identity theft, encapsulating its myriad effects beyond financial burdens. Engaging in Cybersecurity Awareness Month allows attendees to build a robust framework for understanding and improving digital safety across communities.