The Office of the Chief Information Officer today launched the Department of War's "Brilliant at the Basics" campaign for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a monthlong initiative reinforcing core cybersecurity fundamentals across Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) environments.
The campaign aims to provide best practices for navigating an evolving threat landscape while maintaining a decisive digital edge, according to the Department.
"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" focuses on understanding digital environments and identifying vulnerabilities across connected IT networks, OT infrastructure and government-furnished equipment. "Be Vigilant" covers proactive security measures including strong authentication, credential hygiene and anti-phishing tactics to reduce cyber risk.
"Be Secure" addresses protecting mission-critical data and systems by reducing internet-facing systems, encrypting connections, patching, and ensuring only authorized equipment connects to defense networks. "Be Connected" champions a culture of collective defense by promptly reporting suspicious cyber activity and responding to cyber tasking orders.
Recognizing that small, medium and nontraditional businesses drive critical innovation for warfighters, the campaign provides tailored guidance and accessible resources directly to Defense Industrial Base (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 its broader industrial base.
For more information, daily campaign updates and event schedules, the Department directs the public to follow the official DoW CIO social media channels and the CIO's website at dowcio.war.gov.