Gov. Rounds Proclaims October Cyber Security Month
Press Release
Gov. Rounds Proclaims October Cyber Security Month
Asks South Dakotans to Take Preparedness Steps
In cooperation with the South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT), the Multi-State Information Sharing and AnalysisCenter (MS-ISAC) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Gov. Mike Rounds has proclaimed October Cyber Security Awareness Month. During the month of October, the governor is asking all South Dakotans -- including private citizens, business owners, government agencies and schools -- to improve their cyber security preparedness.
"Our computers and the Internet have revolutionized the way we do business, educate ourselves, and conduct our daily lives," said Gov. Rounds. "We work and shop online, and stay in touch with loved ones through email. But the unprecedented convenience of computers also makes them an attractive target for unscrupulous criminals wanting to access all kinds of vital information about us. It is critical that all of us -- from private citizens to business, governments and schools -- take the time to secure our computers and protect our personal information."
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) first established Cyber Security Awareness Month in October 2004 as a way to raise cyber security awareness nationwide.
South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications Commissioner Otto Doll says this is the ideal time to promote cyber security preparedness. "The purpose of Cyber Security Awareness Month is not to scare people about the risks of being online, instead, this campaign is meant to make people aware of these vulnerabilities and empower them to feel secure using the Internet."
According to the NCSA, there are eight cyber security practices every South Dakotan with a personal computer should follow:
Protect your personal information - According to a Federal Trade Commission Survey, there are almost 10 million victims of identity theft each year. Find out how your personal information will be used and if it will be protected before you share it with anyone.
Know who you are dealing with online - Online scammers often impersonate legitimate businesses. However, a legitimate business or individual seller should willingly give you a verifiable physical address and a working telephone number in case you have problems.
Use anti-virus software, a firewall and anti-spyware software to help keep your computer safe and secure - You can download anti-virus software online or buy it in retail stores. Look for software that: recognizes current viruses, as well as older ones; effectively reverses the damage; and updates itself automatically.
Never share your password - Don't share your passwords on the Internet, through email, or on the phone. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and legitimate businesses will never ask for your password.
Use strong passwords or strong authentication technology to help protect your personal information - Lessen your risk of a hacker being able to break into your computer by creating passwords that are out of the ordinary.
Back up important files - If you have important files stored on your computer, copy them onto a removable disc, and store them in a secure place away from your computer.
Learn what to do if something goes wrong - Some computer infections may completely destroy files and shut down your computer, while others may only subtly affect your computer's normal operations. Investigate any unusual or unexpected actions by your computer.
Protect your children online - Implement parental control tools provided by your Internet Service Provider or available for purchase at retail stores and on the Internet. However, no computer program is a complete substitute for parental supervision.
For more information on cyber security for the home user, educator or business owner, go to www.staysafeonline.org. The site is sponsored by the National Cyber Security Alliance, a public/private partnership that is recognized as a central clearinghouse for consumer education and information about online safety.
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