BISMARCK, N.D. – Gov. Doug Burgum has declared October Cybersecurity Awareness Month to bring awareness to the impact cybersecurity threats have on the security of citizens and the state and the importance of protecting all North Dakotans from cyberthreats.
“Cybersecurity and the protection of our citizens’ information and state systems is a priority for the state,” Burgum said. “The global cybersecurity threat continues to grow as state-sponsored actors, social ‘hacktivists’ and criminals seek opportunities to exploit individuals and organizations, making it incumbent upon each of us to play an active role protecting ourselves and our families.”
“In the digital age where all of us – including our children – are potential victims of identity theft, malware, phishing and other types of hacking, we can take intentional steps to protect ourselves,” said Chief Information Officer Shawn Riley. “This includes engaging with children and older family members to make sure they understand the importance of not sharing personal information online or over the phone, logging off of computers and not communicating with strangers online.”
Helpful tips and resources can be found on the National Cyber Security Alliance website https://staysafeonline.org as well as https://stopthinkconnect.org, the global safety awareness campaign.
The state’s Information Technology Department will be promoting the month with messages to Team ND, including resources for use at home and at work, and participation in the inaugural CyberCon 2018 at Bismarck State College Oct. 2-3.
National Cyber Security Awareness Month was created in 2004 by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Today, the initiative is worldwide.