Security

Cyber Security Awareness

October - National Cyber Security Awareness Month

One of the roles of the ND Information Technology Department (ITD) is to foster information security awareness. This has lead ITD and in particular the Security team, to become a members of the Multi-State - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). The mission of the MS-ISAC, consistent with the objectives of the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace, is to provide a common mechanism for raising the level of cyber security readiness and response in each state and with local governments. The MS-ISAC provides a central resource for gathering information on cyber threats to critical infrastructure from the states, and providing two-way sharing of information between and among the states, and with local government.

For the past four years, the MS-ISAC has lead the National Cyber Security Month initiative. This event was a collective effort among the MS-ISAC, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's National Cyber Security Division, and the National Cyber Security Alliance. Its purpose is to raise cyber security awareness nationwide and empower citizens, businesses, government, and schools to improve their cyber security preparedness and help promote a safe Internet experience.

A goal of MS-ISAC, is to have a signed proclamation from the Governors of all 50 states proclaiming October as Cyber Security Awareness Month. We are happy to announce that Governor Hoeven has signed this important proclamation in the State of North Dakota.

ITD has been working in concert with the ND Office of Attorney General to collaborate on this important initiative. ITD will concentrate on educating State and Local Government agencies, and the Office of Attorney General will concentrate their efforts towards the public as it relates to consumer protection.

Toolkits

ITD Security will distribute materials to promote October as Cyber Security Awareness Month within your agency. Materials in the Cyber Security Toolkit include:

• Posters (1.3 Mb PowerPoint)
• Mouse pads
• Calendars
• Bookmarks
  • Avoid Phishing Scams (562 Kb pdf)
  • Dispose of Information Properly (450 Kb pdf)
  • Keep Sensitive Data Secure (435 Kb pdf)
  • Protect Portable Devices (509 Kb pdf)
• Newsletters
• Security Guides
  • Acceptable Use (353 Kb pdf)
  • Erasing and Disposal (165 Kb pdf)
  • Firewall (139 Kb pdf)
  • Getting Started (215 Kb pdf)
• and Brochures
  • Cyber Security Brochure for Adults (592 Kb pdf)
  • Parent Guide to Cyberbullies (241 Kb pdf)
  • Social Networking Brochure (1.09 Mb pdf)

Theme of the Month

Each year, a theme, along with specific topics, are chosen to promote the delivery of a consistent cyber security awareness message by reinforcing core themes in practical, informative, entertaining, and usable ways.

This year’s theme is Cyber Security: It’s up 2 U and topics include:

• Avoid Phishing Scams
• Dispose of Information Properly
• Keep Sensitive Data Secure
• Protect Portable Devices