October Is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

Pop quiz!
What do strong passwords, software updates, and suspicious emails have in common?
They’re your first line of defense in the digital world—and this October, we’re celebrating National Cybersecurity Awareness Month by learning how to protect ourselves and our communities online.

This Year’s Theme: Building a Cyber Strong America

Led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), this year’s campaign focuses on strengthening the digital backbone of our country by providing resources to small businesses, local governments, and everyday people who keep our communities running. [www.cisa.gov]

Cyber threats don’t take holidays. Whether it’s phishing scams, ransomware, or data breaches, the risks are real, but the solutions are often simple.

Four Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online

CISA’s “Secure Our World” initiative highlights four simple steps that anyone can take to boost their cybersecurity game: [www.cisa.gov]

1. Use Strong Passwords & a Password Manager
   Ditch “123456” and “password”! Use complex, unique passwords for each account and let a password manager do the remembering.
2. Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
   MFA adds an extra layer of protection. Think of it as a digital double-lock for your accounts.
3. Update Your Software
   Those pesky update reminders? They’re actually shields against known vulnerabilities. Don’t snooze them, install them!
4. Recognize Phishing
   If an email looks fishy, it probably is. Learn to spot suspicious links, attachments, and requests for sensitive info.

Cybersecurity Is Everyone’s Job

From hospitals and schools to banks and utilities, critical infrastructure depends on secure systems. But cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a public safety and economic priority. [www.cisa.gov]

Whether you're a business owner, a government employee, or just someone who shops online, your actions matter. Every secure password, every reported phishing attempt, and every software update helps build a safer digital world.

Cybersecurity isn’t just for techies—it’s for everyone. This October, let’s commit to small actions that make a big impact. Together, we can build a Cyber Strong America—one secure click at a time.