October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Hoosiers are urged to follow cybersecurity practices in their online activities to protect personal information.

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS - The Indiana Office of Technology (IOT) and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) urge Hoosiers to follow cybersecurity practices in their online activities to protect personal information.

October is designated as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Indiana via a proclamation from Governor Eric J. Holcomb and nationally by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and other partners.

“The State of Indiana collaboratively approaches cyber threats quickly and as efficiently as possible - maintaining the security of the cyber world is a shared responsibility to which we all must contribute,” IOT Chief Information Officer Tracy Barnes said. “The Office of Technology is always looking ahead, keeping Hoosiers safe and improving security before risks arise.” 

Indiana lawmakers recently passed legislation that will increase the amount of information sharing regarding cyberattacks and other threats across state agencies and local government. This law requires public-sector entities to report incidents such as ransomware, software vulnerability exploitations, denial-of-service attacks, and more. Learn more.

Here are some tips on how to keep your personal information secure:

• Be Alert to Impersonators, especially through email a.k.a. “phishing”
• Safely Dispose of Personal Information – Computer and Mobile Device
• Encrypt Your Data – Look for “https://”
• Creating Passwords and Keeping Them Safe
• Don’t Overshare on Social Networking Sites
• Keeping Your Devices Secure
  • Use Security Software
  • Avoid Phishing Emails
  • Be Wise About Wi-Fi
  • Lock Up Your Laptop
  • Read Privacy Policies - Nobody Reads Privacy Policies – Here’s How to Fix That
• Use Multi-factor Authentication

Hoosiers can find up-to-date cybersecurity tips, training opportunities, a cyber blog and other resources at www.in.gov/cybersecurity.