Gov. Doug Burgum has declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month to bring awareness to the importance of protecting our state and citizens from constantly evolving cyberthreats. National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) was created in 2004 by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Today, the initiative is worldwide.
“North Dakota made important strides this past legislative session advancing our statewide cybersecurity efforts with Senate Bill 2110, the ‘One State, One Cybersecurity’ law,” Burgum said. “This first-in-the-nation, singular approach to cybersecurity will improve our ability to protect our state and its citizens from growing cyberthreats, and we want to encourage all North Dakotans to similarly take proactive steps to protect themselves at home, work and school.”
“In this increasingly connected, digital age, we can all take intentional steps to protect ourselves,” said Chief Information Officer Shawn Riley. “This includes engaging with family members to make sure they understand the importance of protecting personal information. This year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month theme – ‘Own It. Secure It. Protect It.’ – is an important reminder of the role we all play with ensuring safeguards in all of our online interactions.”
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.
North Dakota’s Information Technology team will be promoting the month with messages to Team ND, including resources for use at home and at work, and participation in the second annual CyberCon at Bismarck State College, Oct. 2-3.