Today is the start of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity during the month of October. Each year, the State Security Office (SSO) picks a State of Alaska theme that guides our Cybersecurity Awareness campaign for our organization.

Our theme this month is Secure Digital Exploration.

"In October, we want to empower our employees to explore new technologies, while maintaining the security of our IT systems. Secure Digital Exploration is about using the cybersecurity best practices we talk about in awareness campaigns and quarterly trainings to help us adapt to new technologies within our digital environment," said Dan Monarch, Chief Information Security Officer.

The Office of Information Technology will send a total of four emails to State of Alaska employees as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Each email is intended to raise awareness about digital security and the everyday actions you can take to keep our organization safe. The SSO is also hosting a Cybersecurity Awareness Month website that has helpful resources related to Secure Digital Exploration. We encourage you to visit the website. 

"Keeping our data safe is important to all Alaskans. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to improve our digital habits and keep cybercriminals out of our IT systems. No matter our role within the State, we are all responsible for understanding the everyday actions that will keep our organization secure and protected," said Monarch.

Please Note: The Cybersecurity Awareness Month website requires SOA credentials to access.