The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is concerned over cyber security and wants Illinoisans to know that October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. Companies, organizations, and individuals continue to fall victim to cyber criminals who try daily to steal your access to bank accounts, personal information, or other important personal information to blackmail information owners.
IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau says to learn what your technological vulnerabilities are and to review your use of digital devices and information so you won’t be tricked into clicking on a deceptive link or email.
IEMA offers the following tips to better secure your data. Choose long, complicated, and different passwords for each application, use multi-factor authentication, regularly update computer software, use a critical eye on all emails, and if something looks strange, don’t click on it and immediately report any phishing schemes.
Tate Nadeau says to review everything. She encourages you to check your email including the sender’s email address, writing style, and everything before clicking on anything.
More information can be found on the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency or CISA. CISA is a federal government agency whose job is to monitor cyber security. Visit www.cisa.gov/cyber-safety.
