#BeCyberSmart: City Named "Champion" for Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October

By the time you found this article, there was a cyberattack somewhere.

There is an average of 2,244 cyberattacks per day, which is one every 36 seconds (Source: The University of Maryland).

And it can cost you a lot of money. In a recent six-month period, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission had seen more than 128,000 phone-based fraud scams that cost victims a whopping $108 million.

That’s why the City of Bettendorf is announcing its commitment to growing the importance of cybersecurity by becoming a Champion for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2022.

WHAT IS IT?

Founded in 2004, Cybersecurity Awareness Month is held every October. Co-led by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, this month is the world’s foremost initiative aimed at promoting cybersecurity awareness and best practices.

The Cybersecurity Awareness Month Champions Program is a collaborative effort among businesses, government agencies, colleges and universities, associations, nonprofit organizations and individuals.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

You use it. The City of Bettendorf uses it. We all use it. From mobile to connected home devices, technology is becoming more intertwined with our everyday lives. However, as the evolution of technology moves at the speed of sound, cybercriminals are working just as hard to find ways to compromise technology and disrupt your life.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to highlight some of the emerging challenges that exist in the world of cybersecurity today and provide straightforward, actionable guidance that anyone can follow.

HOW?

This year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month’s main focus areas revolve around four key fundamental cybersecurity best practices:

  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (CLICK HERE)
  • Use Strong Passwords & A Password Manager (CLICK HERE)
  • Update Your Software (CLICK HERE)
  • Recognize & Report Phishing (CLICK HERE)

For more information about Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2022 and how to participate in a wide variety of activities, click here. Also, be sure to follow the City’s Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn Pages to learn more about how to #BeCyberSmart.

ASK THE EXPERT

Do you have a question about cybersecurity? The City of Bettendorf’s IT Team, led by IT Manager Monte Sonksen, is going to answer all of them during the next Mayor’s Message, which will be posted on Friday, October 7th. To submit your question, send an email to cybersecuritymonth@bettendorf.org by Wednesday, October 5th.