October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and with Hoosiers relying more heavily on the internet to work, study and stay connected, it is important we are all aware of what we can do to keep ourselves and our information safe.

Throughout the month, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance will raise awareness of the importance of cybersecurity to ensure families, communities, businesses and the country’s infrastructure are better protected against cybercrimes.

Cybercrimes come in many forms, such as identity theft, financial fraud and online bullying and can cause great emotional harm and even financial ruin for victims.

To help ensure Americans stay safe while utilizing the internet, this year’s theme, Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart, encourages individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has provided a list of publications, toolkits and other educational materials to help Hoosiers be more responsible online.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security also offers ways Hoosiers can protect personal information online:

• Use strong passwords;
• Do not open unsolicited or unknown emails;
• Use security software tools;
• Enable stronger authentication for log-in information;
• Know the intention of others online before providing access or information;
• Keep web browsers and operating systems up to date;
• Back up important files; and
• Be cautious when shopping online.

The Indiana Cybersecurity Hub also provides a variety of resources to increase safety while online. This website aims to serve as a central hub of information for Hoosiers, government officials and business owners to stay cyber secure.

For more information on Indiana’s cybersecurity efforts, visit CISA.gov or the Indiana Cybersecurity Hub.